MANILA, Philippines ? (UPDATE 2) The Committee on Appointments confirmed on Wednesday the appointments of former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Alexander Yano as ambassador to Brunei and 16 military officials to higher ranks.

Senator Rodolfo Biazon, a former AFP chief of staff, moved for Yano?s confirmation as ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to the oil-rich sultanate at the plenary. Parañaque Representative Eduardo Zialcita seconded the motion.

Last week, the CA deferred action on Yano?s appointment after Senator Richard Gordon said he needed to ask the former military chief more questions.

The CA also confirmed the appointments of 15 senior military officials and a middle grade officer to the next highest rank.

Seven officials were confirmed to two-star-rank: Major Generals Arthur Mancenido, Mario Butch Lacson, Rudival Cabading, Reynaldo Sealana, Arturo Ortiz, Eduardo Oblan Jr., and Rear Admiral Feliciano Angue.

Eight officials were confirmed to one-star-rank: Commodore Efren Tedor and Brigadier Generals Teodoro Evangelista, Pedro Ramon Sinajon Jr., Carlos Luces, Alger Tan, William Esplana, Elmir dela Cruz, Roberto Morales.

Aside from the 15 generals, the CA confirmed the promotion of Colonel Jay Tindoy.

In an earlier hearing at the CA committee on national defense, lawmakers debated on whether the confirmation of the 15 officials would exceed the authorized number of military generals, which is 133.

At present, there are 137 generals, but only 110 of them were confirmed by the CA.

After a long debate, the committee decided to endorse the appointments of the officials to the plenary.