President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has approved the designation of Maj. Gen. Arthur M. Cordura as the new Vice Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Cordura assumed the second highest position in the military in a turnover ceremony presided by AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro on Wednesday, Nov. 23.
He replaced Vice Admiral Rommel Anthony Reyes who has been performing as acting Vice Chief of Staff since September.
Cordura is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1990 entered the military service as a commissioned officer of the Philippine Air Force (PAF).
He served as a line pilot, instructor pilot, administrative and supply officer, and squadron commander early in his career.
Prior to his designation as the AFP' number two man, Cordura served as PAF vice commander of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), chief of Air Staff, PAF; commander, Air Force Reserve Command; Wing Commander, 520th Air Base Wing; Deputy Commander, Tactical Operations Command; and Chief, Air Force Strategy Management Office.
In his speech, Bacarro lauded Cordura’s experience and accomplishments as an officer and public servant.
“Your years of experience in the noble profession of arms, most notably as Vice Commander of the Philippine Air Force, has more than prepared you for this position," said Bacarro.
“I am fully confident that you will continue to display passionate leadership in this position that entails a greater magnitude of responsibility and will give you the distinction as the first VCSAFP to serve for up to three years,” he added.