MANILA. What has been bruited about for some time finally happened yesterday with the appointment of outgoing Tarlac Rep. Gilbert Teodoro as the new defense secretary, making him the newest member of the post-election Arroyo Cabinet.

Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo quietly appointed Teodoro, a nephew of business tycoon Eduardo "Danding'' Cojuangco as head of the Department of National Defense in the place of Hermogenes Ebdane Jr.

Arroyo returned Ebdane to his old post as head of the Department of Public Works and Highways, according to an announcement made by Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye.
Ebdane takes over from his former deputy, Manuel Bonoan who held the DPWH portfolio as an officer-in-charge, effective yesterday.

Executive Sec. Eduardo Ermita said Teodoro's appointment takes effect on August 3 because he is still on vacation with his family in the United States. Until his return, National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales will be the defense officer in charge.

Ermita dubbed the soft-spoken Teodoro a "very good addition'' to the Cabinet.

"He is very qualified and he is prepared for the job. He has a very impeccable record as a public servant, being congressman of Tarlac for three terms,'' Ermita said in a phone interview.

Ermita, who had been defense secretary and Armed Forces of the Philippines vice chief of staff, said Teodoro, 43, also infuses new blood into the defense and military establishments.

"You need a more dynamic personality in the defense department who can push reforms,'' Ermita said.

Ermita said the appointment of Teodoro follows the recommendation of the Feliciano Commission to install a civilian head at the Department of National Defense. The Feliciano Commission was constituted after the Oakwood Mutiny in 2003.

Teodoro, a lawyer by profession, would follow in the tradition of former Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz, another lawyer who was credited with vigorously pushing reforms in the department until he resigned in November 2006 over differences with some members of the Cabinet.

Ermita said Teodoro is not entirely a greenhorn in defense and military matters. He said Teodoro has a rank in the military after finishing an officer's course and is an adopted graduate of the Philippine Military Academy.

He said he had no doubt Teodoro will be acceptable to the military, and even to the business community since he belongs to a prominent business clan.

Ermita said the clamor for reforms in the military would be a test of Teodoro's leadership.

"Let's see how he will be able to address the call for reforms of the new senators, (Antonio) Trillanes and (Gregorio) Honasan. It's a challenge to him. I'm confident he can deliver,'' Ermita said.

Teodoro ended his third term as representative of Tarlac, a post now passed on to his wife.

Ermita said Teodoro gladly accepted the appointment when he phoned him on Friday.