Aquino vetoes bill fixing AFP chief’s term

President Benigno S. Aquino III. EDWIN BACASMAS

MANILA, Philippines—President Benigno Aquino III said Friday he has vetoed the bill fixing the term of the chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines at three years.

The Chief Executive said the proposed law, which cleared both houses of Congress, violates Article 16, Section 5 of the Constitution.

“I actually sent a message to both chambers that I vetoed the same. There’s a provision of the Constitution that says laws on retirement cannot extend service or something to that effect,” President Aquino told reporters.

The President said there is a provision in the bill that says the retirement of the chief of staff would be deferred if he or she reaches the retirement age but has yet to serve the full three-year term.