Lawmakers seek to remove three-year fixed terms for some AFP officials

MANILA, Philippines – Lawmakers have sought to amend Republic Act No. 11709, removing the three-year fixed term of key officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

RA 11709, signed by President Rodrigo Duterte last April, entails that military officials appointed to key positions will serve a fixed term of three years, except for the Philippine Military Academy superintendent, who will have a four-year tour of duty.

The proposed House Bill 6482 by House Speaker Martin Romualdez, along with Representatives Raul Tupas, Mercedes Alvarez, Divina Grace Yu, and Jorge Bustos, seeks to amend the three-year fixed term and that the President has the option to terminate it sooner.

“This change in the law is the result of the consultation made by the Congress to members of the AFP,” AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar said on Tuesday during an ANC Rundown interview.

“It is still premature for me to comment on the issue,” Aguilar added.

When asked whether the three-year fixed term was too long, Aguilar said that it was not too long and that the prerogative on the part of the President to terminate the designation of one officer is already incorporated in the law.

“But there are some minor changes that are being proposed, especially among the three-star generals, so that there will be movement, that the organization will be more flexible and dynamic as it addresses the security threat and at the same time as we aspire for professionalism in our ranks,” he said.

Aguilar also added that the proposed amendment for the fixed terms of key officers of the AFP depends on the situation and that they cannot say if it’s a fixed term or not, as it depends on the situation of the law and the needs of the organization.

READ: Senate OKs bill seeking fixed term for AFP chief, top officials

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