Senator Christopher “Bong” Go said he hopes that the Commission on Appointments (CA) will consider the ad interim appointments of the remaining 115 senior military officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) whose confirmation are still pending at the committee level.
Go voiced his concern on Monday, May 30 after the CA prioritized the confirmation of 17 generals and flag officers of the AFP, appealing for the body to also consider the confirmation of those who are still pending with the CA Committee on National Defense.
The senator pointed out the crucial role of the country’s military personnel in ensuring the nation’s peace and security. Go said he is concerned that the delay in the consideration of some senior military officers by the CA may cause a domino effect to other personnel who are also due for promotion.
Congress has until Wednesday, June 1 to confirm the appointments of the said AFP officials. The senator also noted that some of these promotions have been pending since December of last year.
Go said he hopes his colleagues will prioritize the said promotions to ensure that the senior military officers would not be deprived of what is due to them.
Likewise, he pointed out that the advancement of the military officers would not only encourage them and boost their morale, but would also strengthen and stabilize the military organization.
“As a member of the CA, I am making the appeal and speaking in their behalf because I know that none of these officers would have the courage to tell or voice their concerns,” Go said during the committee hearing on Monday, May 30.
“Our confirmation will not only affirm their promotion due them, but will also boost the morale of our soldiers,” he reiterated.
“Mr. Chair, we still have two remaining days to consider them. Let us give them peace of mind and grant them what they deserve,” the lawmaker further appealed.
The Senate on Monday confirmed the ad interim appointments of 17 senior officials of AFP as senators expressed their gratitude to President Duterte for recognizing the sacrifices of the country’s armed forces and prioritizing the welfare of retired and active military officers.