The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Sunday, June 14, said the delayed confirmation of five generals has begun affecting the military's organizational structure and readiness, as the appointments remain pending amid the ongoing leadership dispute in the Senate.

AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said five generals holding key posts across the military have been affected by the delay in their promotion. The identities of the generals and the positions they hold were not immediately disclosed due to the sensitivities of the posts.

The confirmation process has been stalled after the Commission on Appointments (CA) was unable to convene due to a dispute over Senate leadership and committee representation between two factions, one led by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and one headed by Senate Pro-Tempore and acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian.

“The delay in their formal confirmation affects not just their personal advancement but the institutional readiness and structure of the AFP units that they lead,” Padilla said.

“Five generals are affected and they are occupying significant positions within the AFP,” she added.

Nonetheless, Padilla underscored that the military respects the constitutional role of the CA, which confirms promotions of senior military officers.

“Our position on this is that the Armed Forces of the Philippines fully respects the constitutional role of our Commission on Appointments and, of course, the process governing the promotions of officers,” she noted.

“We are transparent about the operational impact of this and we look forward to the current legislative situation being resolved so that our deserving officers can be formally confirmed in their positions," she said.

“It is our hope that this confirmation will proceed at the soonest possible time.”

Military promotions at the general and flag officer level require confirmation by the CA. Padilla noted that timing is critical because officers must be confirmed before reaching mandatory retirement.

“They need confirmation a year before they actually retire,” she explained.

Relatedly, the AFP spokesperson dismissed claims of possible unrest within the military because of the stalled promotions, saying the troops remain united.

“We have repeatedly denied that rumor. Within the ranks of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, we remain a professional organization. We are united. Our strict adherence to the Constitution and our loyalty remain with the flag,” Padilla said.

Padilla also assured the public that the AFP stands ready to support law enforcement agencies in securing the Senate amid reports of threats on its security.

She said the AFP maintains personnel in the Senate, including Marines assigned to perimeter defense.

“For law enforcement, the Philippine National Police is there. The Armed Forces of the Philippines has deployments in the Senate. We have Marines there, but their role is perimeter defense,” Padilla said.

"If it becomes necessary for the Armed Forces of the Philippines to augment the PNP, we are always ready to augment the PNP and other agencies in whatever means necessary if the assistance of the Armed Forces of the Philippines is needed,” she added.