House OKs fixed terms for AFP top brass
MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives on Monday approved on third and final reading a bill seeking to impose a fixed term of three years for high-ranking military officials, including the chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Voting 184-6-0, the chamber passed House Bill No. 10521, which seeks to professionalize the military by strengthening the merit system and to eliminate the “revolving door” accommodation promotions and create a new culture of excellence in leadership and accountability in the AFP.
The proposed measure also aims “to refine and improve the rules on retirement and commissionship.”
According to the bill, the chief of staff, vice chief of staff, the deputy chief of staff, commanding generals of the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy and the Philippine Air Force, united command commanders, and the inspector general will have a fixed tour of duty of three years.
The bill, however, said the fixed term of duty could be terminated by the President or extended in times of war or national emergency.
