The House defense and security committee has approved the unnumbered substitute bills strengthening professionalism and ensuring the continuity of policies and modernization initiatives within the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
The substitute bill for House Bills 554, 941,4048, 4050, 7677, 7939, 8056, and 8114 was approved by the panel during its virtual meeting. The measure aims to professionalize the AFP 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 military.
Among the key provisions of the proposed measure is the fixed tour of duty of three years for 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.
Under the bill, the fixed tour of duty can be terminated by the President. However, in times of war or other national emergency declared by Congress, the President may extend such tour of duty.
It also aims to adjust the compulsory retirement age for military personnel in the grades of brigadier general/commodore to lieutenant general/vice admiral, upon reaching the age of 59 or the maximum tenure-in-grade, whichever comes earlier.
The bill also provides that retirement benefits shall be based on the permanent grade last held. This will only apply to new entrants, according to the bill.
The measure also raises the age of commission of officers to 21, but not more than 28.
The bill mandates the Department of National Defense to conduct a systematic review, evaluation, and impact assessment of the law within five years of its effectivity. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News
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