Lacson lauds gov’t for upholding ‘rule of law’ after new Army chief appointment

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Panfilo Lacson on Sunday lauded Malacañang and the “defense establishment” for “upholding the rule of law” following the appointment of a new Philippine Army Commanding General.

READ: Andres Centino appointed as new Philippine Army chief — Palace

Lacson, who chairs the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification and Reconciliation, and is also Vice Chairman of the Committee on National Defense of the Commission on Appointments, said the appointment of Major General. Andres Centino to replace Major General Jose Faustino Jr. complies with Section 4 of Republic Act 8186.

READ: Philippine Army commanding general not qualified for post, says Lacson

“Under the said law, Lt. Gen. Faustino is not eligible to head a major service command of the AFP as he has less than one year of active service remaining prior to reaching the age of compulsory retirement,” Lacson said.

Lacson, who first raised the issue at the Commission on Appointments last March, said that Faustino was designated Army chief in February even though he is set to retire in less than a year when he reaches the retirement age of 56 in November.

Sec. 4 of RA 8186 states that “except for the Chief of Staff of the AFP, no officer shall be assigned/designated to the aforementioned key positions (including major service commanders) or promoted to the rank of Brigadier General/Commodore or higher if he has less than one (1) year of active service remaining prior to compulsory retirement.”

“I have nothing against Lt. Gen. Faustino,” Lacson said. “While he may be considered the most competent, he is not qualified because there’s a law saying he’s not qualified.”

“I thank and commend Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, the Department of National Defense, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines for rectifying an oversight in appointing Lt. Gen. Faustino,” he added.