Thursday, August 28, 2008 Senate okays fixed 3-year term for AFP chief By Justine C. Paredes
THE Senate has approved on its third and final reading Wednesday the bill that provides Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief a fixed three-year term of office, Senator Rodolfo Biazon said.
Biazon said that aside from Senate Bill (SB) 31, which fixes the term of office of the AFP chief to three years unless there are national emergencies or war, the Senate Bill (SB) 232 was also approved.
SB 232 requires a period of three years retirement from active duty before a commissioned officer of a regular component of the AFP may be appointed as secretary of the Department of National Defense (NDF).
The two proposals, Biazon said, are among the legislative responses of the Senate committee on national defense to the recommendations of the Feliciano and Davide commissions that looked into the alleged election fraud in the past presidential elections.
He said the passage of SB 31 will stop the practice of the revolving door policy and insulate the position of the AFP chief from political influence allowing merit and fitness to prevail and time for him to plan, test, formulate and execute policies and programs to deliver the objectives of the military.
"When the position in question such as the core leadership of the AFP is critical to the country's interests, it is only correct that the person chosen to serve in such a capacity be the best, not necessarily among the most senior, and be ensured a security of tenure for him to successfully fulfill his responsibilities and mandate to the people," the lawmaker said.
The ratification of SB 232, on the other hand, will shield the position of the defense secretary from controversies arising from appointments and assignments within the AFP.
"By having no prior or personal relationships with the officers, the defense secretary would be more objective and impartial in policy determination and recommendations," Biazon said.
On the part of former military officers, he said the prohibition should also afford them sufficient time to adapt to civilian life.
