While it might not have answered all the concerns of its members, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said that the new Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) law resolved the issue of seniority among the ranks, giving officers an equal opportunity to be promoted to higher positions.

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (Malacañang photo)

Marcos said this after he signed this week Republic Act (RA) No. 11939 which limits the tour of duty of key AFP officials and adjustment the retirement age of officers from 55 to 57.

In an interview with reporters in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, the President said they had to rationalize the AFP to address some of the comments and complaints of officers, particularly the younger ones.

"This takes care of the problem of the seniority and the-- ginagawa nating mga promotion na kapag masyadong tumatagal yung mga nasa taas, wala ng chance yung mga sumusunod (promotions that we do because if officers stay longer on top, the younger ones won't have a chance)," he explained.

"Kung masyadong matagal maiwan yung mga senior officers, wala na kaming pag-asa na ma-promote sa mga matataas na position (If senior officers stayed in their positions for too long, we won't have the chance to get promoted). I think that took care of that," he added.

Under the new law, the AFP chief of staff shall now have a maximum tour of duty of three consecutive years, starting on the date that his appointment paper is signed, unless the President sooner terminates his appointment.

The following officers holding key positions in the AFP shall serve a maximum of two consecutive years:

• Commanding General, Philippine Army
• Commanding General, Philippine Air Force
• Flag Officer in Command, Philippine Navy
• Superintendent of the Philippine Military Academy
  
  

Meanwhile, Marcos said the amendments to the AFP law were well-received, particularly the adjustment in the retirement age. He explained that increasing the retirement age to 57 was due to the K-12 program.

"We moved the retirement age from 55 to 57 for a really simple reason: K-12. Ang mga recruit mas matanda na (The recruits are getting older), they come in two years later," he said.

"So we should adjust naman doon sa retirement. Mukha namang well-received yun (I think this was well-received)," he added.

Under the new law, those in the grades of Second Lieutenant/Ensign (O-1) to Lieutenant General/Vice Admiral (O-9) are compulsorily retired at age 57 or upon accumulation of 30 years of satisfactory active duty, whichever comes later.

Enlisted personnel shall be retired upon accumulating at least 30 years of satisfactory active duty or reaching age 57.

Active duty refers to the service or duty of a commissioned officer, enlisted personnel, cadet, probationary officer, trainee, or draftee in the regular force of the AFP.