Solons pass bill seeking a fixed three-year term for AFP chief By Mario J. Mallari 05/28/2011

Solons pass bill seeking a fixed three-year term for AFP chief

By Mario J. Mallari 05/28/2011

While the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) leadership admits that the proposed three-year fixed term for an AFP chief of staff can contribute to the stability of the military organization, provision to replace a non-performing military chief should also be included just in case one fails to deliver.

“The three-year term for the next CSAFP (chief of staff, AFP) will provide greater stability in our programs,” said AFP spokesman Commodore Miguel Jose Rodriguez.

Last Thursday, the Senate national defense and security committee resolved to recommend to the plenary the approval of a legislation that would fix at three years the term of the AFP chief of staff, apparently to put an end to the so-called “revolving door” policy in the appointment of military chiefs.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson said that the enactment of the bill, its version in the House of Representatives had already been approved on third and final reading early this year, would now shield the military organization from being “politicized” by the country’s leaders..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20110528nat1.html