Military promotion for Pacquiao mulled

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Army is deliberating promoting boxing legend Manny Pacquiao to a higher military rank, Army Commanding General Lieutenant General Arturo Ortiz said Tuesday.

In a chance interview following the testimonial parade given to Pacquiao, Ortiz said that the Army was processing the boxing legend’s possible promotion to a Lieutenant Colonel rank in the Army’s reserve forces.

Ortiz said that the Lieutenant Colonel rank was given to reservists who were elected into public office. Among incumbent government officials who are reservists are Senator Loren Legarda and Vice President Jejomar Binay, Ortiz said.

The army will deliberate on whether Pacquiao’s educational attainment is enough to qualify him for the promotion, Ortiz said, adding that a bachelor’s degree is a basic requirement.

Nevertheless, Ortiz said that Pacquiao’s promotion would still be subject to the approval of President Benigno Aquino III, the commander-in-chief.

Pacquiao, enlisted in the Army’s reserve force in April 2007, was given a Sergeant rank.

Pacquiao was promoted several times since then and is currently holding the title of Command Sergeant Major of the 15th Ready Reserve Division of the Philippine Army.

Pacquiao is also a recipient of numerous awards and recognition from the military, including the Philippine Legion of Honor with the Degree of Officer given to him during the 73rd anniversary of the AFP in 2008 and the Outstanding Achievement Medal given last Sept. 4, 2009.