House passes measure setting fixed terms for AFP chief, key officers
MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives approved Monday a proposed law that prescribes a fixed term for the chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other high-ranking military officials.
With 184 affirmative votes, six negative, and no abstention, the lower chamber approved House Bill No. 10521 which would professionalize the AFP, eliminate the “revolving door accommodation promotions,” and “create a new culture of excellence in leadership and accountability in the AFP.”
Under the measure, a fixed tour of duty of three years is imposed on the AFP chief of staff; vice chief of staff; deputy chief of staff; commanding generals of the Philippine Army and Philippine Air Force; flag officer in command of the Philippine Navy; unified command commanders; and inspector general.
While the tour of duty of the chief of staff shall not exceed three years, the President may extend it in times of war or other national emergencies as declared by Congress.
The bill likewise adjusts the compulsory retirement age for military personnel in the grade of brigadier general commodore to lieutenant/vice admiral, upon reaching the age of 59 or the maximum tenure-in-grade, whichever comes earlier.
It also prohibits the appointment of a resigned or retired officer as secretary of national defense within one year of the officer’s separation from the AFP.
