Commodore Brillantes Ochoco’s three-part article was a refreshing change from the usual run of Fort Aguinaldo press releases which monotonously trumpet one military triumph after another.

The Commodore’s article was so emotional, so ego-centered, so self-righteous, so defensive, and, in general, so unconvincing (not to mention, so badly written) that I am certain that the Commodore, and not some ghost-writer, actually wrote it.

But even if the Commodore’s article had been more sober, logical, and intelligent, it wouldn’t have helped. To most civilians (unfortunately for the Commodore and his kind), the credibility of a flag officer is inversely proportional to how long he has overstayed in his job (with Brig. Gen. Luther Custodio as perhaps the sole notorious exception).

Just as a commander should not give orders he knows won’t be obeyed, he shouldn’t make statements he knows won’t be believed.
 

SONNY DE LOS REYES