House bill: Aspiring Defense chief should serve as civilian for 3 years

Muntinlupa Representative Rodolfo Biazon. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – If the House committee on National Defense and Security will have its way, military men should first spend three years being a civilian before being appointed as Secretary of the Department of National Defense (DND).

House Bill no. 2, sponsored by Muntinlupa Representative Rodolfo Biazon who chairs the committee, requires just that.

The bill, which was recently approved by the committee, amends Section 45 of Chapter 10 Book IV of Executive Order 292 or the Administrative Code of 1987.

“By prohibiting a former military officer from being appointed within three years after relief from active duty, the position will be shielded from controversies arising from appointments, assignments, and other activities within the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines),” Biazon said in a statement Sunday.

Biazon, who was a former senator and chief of staff of the AFP, said it is necessary to emphasize the importance of civilian authority over the military.

“By having no prior personal and professional relationships with the officers, the Secretary of National Defense would be more objective and impartial in policy formulation and determination,” he added.

The former Marine said three years is enough time for the military officer to adjust to civilian life.

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