The Commission on Appointments (CA) has bypassed the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of a brigadier general after he failed to commit the necessary amount needed to support his children and his estranged wife.

The CA’s committee on national defense is expected to tackle Brigadier General Ranulfo Sevilla’s promotion to the rank when Congress resumes sessions after the Holy Week break.

Because of this, Sevilla will revert to his original rank as Colonel. Sevilla has at least two more chances to be promoted to brigadier general. 

Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri said the deferment will give the brigadier general time to comply with the necessary documents he needs to submit to the committee in fulfillment of his financial obligations to his family. 

Zubiri said Sevilla has agreed to commit to set aside the P50,000 from his salary as financial provision to his children. He originally commited P30,000. 

“Compliance na lang. Ang nangyari, akala ni Gen. Sevilla P30,000 lang ang ibibigay a month, parang ang alam ng committee, the chairperson, is P50,000 (So it’s just for compliance. What happened is that Gen. Sevilla thought P30,000 is the amount he would give. But the committee, the chairperson said it was P50,000),” the Senate leader said.

“Pumayag siya later on in the committee hearing. Pumayag siya, ang problema parang hindi believable kailangan may affidavit (He later on agreed during the committee hearing. He agreed, the problem is it seems not believable, so they required an affidavit),” he said.

Deliberations on Sevilla’s promotion was hindered by his wife, Tessa Luz Aura Sevilla, who wrote and appealed to the CA to reject his promotion due to alleged adultery, violence and refusal to give financial support to their children despite a court order. 

According to Mrs. Sevilla, her husband would only give a paltry P2,000 and a month which he gave to them irregularly.

‘Huwag masyadong playboy’ 

During the hearing, Surigao del Norte Rep. Johnny Pimentel, for his part, cautioned the other AFP officials whose appointments were also up for confirmation to be circumspect about their personal behavior and their behavior towards women. 

“Sa lahat ng nominees, babala ko po ito sa inyo, huwag kayong masyadong malapitin sa babae (To all the nominees, this is my warning to all of you, don’t be too close to women),” Pimentel said during the CA committee hearing.

“You will be assign in different stations and you will be tempted, lalo na kapag may na-meet tayong maganda, sexy (especially if you meet one that is beautiful and sexy),” the lawmaker said.

“So, huwag naman masyadong playboy, kaya magkakaroon kayo ng problema (Don't be too much of a playboy, you will face a lot of problems),” Pimentel further said.

Senate probe

In a press conference before the continuation of the CA committee hearing, Mrs. Sevilla told reporters she will continue to oppose the promotion of her husband even if he finally provides financial support for their children.

“Yes I am all for him settling the obligations that he has not given to my children and to me and to the entire family for the last 7 (seven) years but that doesn’t make him an honorable man overnight na deserving of a promotion,” Mrs. Sevilla said.

“Because we are also talking about issues of immorality, issues of abuses. So this goes beyond money,” she added. 

Mrs. Gemini Baladad, another military wife, also shared to reporteres her plight as a battered wife of a retired general. 

Baladad said that despite her complaints to the AFP and the CA way back from 2007, her husband still got promotions, recalling how the AFP officials gave her a run around. 

Baladad also shared she suffered three miscarriages during their marriage and her son also suffered violence in the hands of her husband.

Both Mrs. Sevilla and Mrs. Baladad called for the Senate to conduct an investigation to ascertain the extensiveness of the problem and the needed institutional reforms in the AFP to ensure the protection and well-being of military spouses and children. 

They cited the need for moral and spiritual fitness of military officers. 

“We believe it is high time that they review, are we really implementing the gender and development program in the AFP? And if so, what are the mechanisms? How are you helping these women?” Mrs. Sevilla said.

“Because based on our experience, you never helped us, you never protected us. We are also citizens that deserve your protection, where is the honor, integrity and loyalty to your country and to your people? We are also your people sirs. So please protect us,” she appealed to the AFP.

Approved 

Nevertheless, the CA approved the promotions of 129 other generals and flag officers during a plenary session. 

The appointments of the 129 other AFP officers that the CA confirmed are:

1. Francel Margareth P. Taborlupa to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
2. Henrito G. Managay to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
3. Lorvina N. Lamug to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
4. Michael Glenn S. Manansala to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
5. Siegfried Felipe F. Awichen to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
6. Patricio C. Bumidang to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army 
7. Louie G. Dema-Ala    to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
8. Raul S. Vigo  to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
9. Eugenio U. Baquiran to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
10. Charlie C. Banaag to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
11. Ricky N. Parcon to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
12. Juanito M. Parazo Jr.   to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
13. Danilo V. Escandor to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
14. Ryan Charles G. Callanta to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
15. Raymund R. Marcos to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
16. Rey T. Alvarado to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
17. Abraham M. Gallangi Jr. to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
18. Napoleon G. Pabon Jr. to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
19. Norman E. Valdez to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
20. Bernard P. Samin to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
21. Jonathan L. Pondanera to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
22. Domingo S. Robles Jr. to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
23. Anhouvic B. Atilano to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
24. Leonora V. Bascoguin to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
25. Ramonito C. Taboy to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
26. Vercisio G. San Jose Jr. to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
27. Exequiel L. Tidor to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
28. Marvin B. Domingo to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
29. Rey C. Rico to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
30. Marie Theresa C. Marañon to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Air Force
31. Christopher Allan M. Mendoza to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Air Force
32. Sonny E. Gonzales to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
33. Little Rose Ann C. Abutin to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
34. Deborah G. Castillo to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
35. Edward F. Canlas to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
36. Raquel A. Vilchez to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
37. Reandrew P. Rubio to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
38. Malvin L. Garcia to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
39. Alex D. Ampati to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
40. Reynald Romel A. Goce to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
41. Miguel L. Ramon to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
42. Zandro C. Alvez to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
43. Jose C. Regonay Jr. to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
44. Rommel T. Mundala to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
45. Freddie F. Calosing to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
46. Arvin Joel N. Buan to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Air Force
47. Arnold A. De Torres to the rank of Captain, Philippine Navy
48. Cheryl M. Ramos to the rank of Colonel, Medical Administrative Corps
49. Isidro S. Mamaril to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Navy-Marines
50. William C. Pesase Jr. to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
51. Shiela Marie F. Dauz to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Air Force
52. Eric H. Culvera to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
53. Ryan N. Severo to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
54. Marcelo F. Valdez Jr. to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
55. Elvin E. Rivera to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
56. Jeffrey Abegail C. Morales to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Air Force
57.  Enrico Gil C. Ileto to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army 
58. Romualdo Raymund B. Landingin to the rank of Brigadier General
59. Antonio F. Quimado Jr. to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
60. Eugene F. Garce to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
61. Elmar G. Liwag to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
62. Egverr Jonathan A. Abutin to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
63. Sandy R. Majarocon to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
64. Ammer I. Adviento to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Air Force
65. Ronaldo D. Sarmiento to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
66. Glenn D. Jalbuena to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
67. Julius Cesar C. Paulo to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
68. Donald P. Gaffud to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
69. Roman S. Mabborang to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
70. Mark Allan I. Gavilan to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Air Force
71. Carlyleo P. Nagac to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
72. Edwin E. Nogal to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
73. Jonathan B. Panes to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Air Force
74. Charlie P. Tuliao to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
75. Julius F. Colingan to the rank of Colonel, Judge Advocate General Service
76. Tristam A. Tolentino to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
77. Harold L. Nemeño to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
78. Reynaldo B. Balido Jr. to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
79. John Mark S. Competente to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
80. James Erasmus F. Gagni to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
81. Edgardo L. Vilchez Jr. to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
82. Ricky L. Canatoy to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
83. Lily Rose L. Steele to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
84. Oliver F. Baylon to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Navy-Marines
85. Leo B. Caduyac to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
86. Noel A. Cagasan to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
87. Merrill C. Sumalinog to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
88. Elmer H. Ocampo to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
89. Racii Alejandro G. Sotto to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
90. Ma. Victoria Asther R. Excelise to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
91. Nilo E. Japzon to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Navy-Marines
92. Emerson P. De Vera to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
93. Nida P. Gutierrez to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
94. Cresencio G. Sanchez Jr. to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
95. Raymond M. Rapi to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
96. Marlon P. Mojica to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
97. Arvin M. Tenorio to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
98. Jerry E. Tucaqui to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
99. Wilfredo L. Claveria Jr. to the rank of Colonel, Corps of Professor
100. Darwin B. De Luna to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Navy-Marines
101. Clark R. Dalumbar to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
102. Joseph Marlon C. Famoso to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
103. Charlie D. Teria to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
104. Emmanuel L. De Duque to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
105. Francis A. Señoron to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
106. Edward B. Viteño to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
107. Michael D. Maquilan to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
108. Ricardo Gary B. Garcia III to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
109. Rhomel R. Langcauon to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
110. Riche Jay A. Bisco to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
111. Michael T. Aquino to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
112. Michael Ramil M. Cabusas to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
113. Michael Rey S. Reuyan to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
114. Vladimir D. Sta Maria to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
115. Alfred E. Ramones to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
116. Malone B. Agudelo to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Navy
117. Michael Ariel V. Delos Reyes to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Navy-Marines
118. Eduardo D. Esquivias to the rank of Colonel, Judge Advocate General Service
119. Eliglen F. Villaflor to the rank of Brigadier General 
120. Glenn P. Eugenio to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Air Force
121. Rolando J. Ong to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army (reserve)
122. Erwin Y. Comendador to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
123. Joel V. Cabigon to the rank of Captain, Philippine Navy
124. Robert F. Rosqueta to the rank of Colonel, Medical Corps.
125. Domingo B. Gobway to the rank of Major General
126. Samad R. Gayak Jr. to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army
127. Isagani F. Quiming to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Air Force
128. Rachelle C. Judilla to the rank of Colonel, Medical Corps
129. Virgilio Reginald M. Acain Jr. to the rank of Colonel, Medical Corps