Senator Lacson opts for 3-year fixed term for Armed Forces Chief

MANILA, Philippines—The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff should have a fixed term of three years to have enough time to mobilize programs, in a consensus made on a public hearing conducted by the Senate of the Philippines, and some AFP officials Thursday.

“The chief of staff should have a fixed term of three years, three months is very short, the time was only for planning, some were already retired before they could formulate their plans,” observed Senator Panfilo Lacson.

Senate bill no. 2285 provides for a fixed term of three years for the AFP chief of staff provided that that officer shall not be appointed if that officer has less than two years remaining in active service. The proposed law also provided for a two-year term for the major service commanders.

Lacson added that reaching the mandatory age of 56, and the “loss of confidence” is a ground for disqualification.

“We have to depoliticize by removing the revolving door policy,” Lacson said, stating the proposal will be submitted to the plenary first.

Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was commander in chief of the Armed Forces for over 10 years. Under her watch, she had 11 AFP chiefs of staff. Of the 11, one would serve for just over two months, six would serve for less than a year, and four would complete one year plus several months in the top post .

“A chief who stayed for three months cannot do anything,” Lacson pointed out..

The hearing was lead by Senator Panfilo Lacson, Senator Antonio Trillanes and Senator Teofisto Guingona III.