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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider CA confirms promotion of AFP generals, career diplomats in special session

CA confirms promotion of AFP generals, career diplomats in special session

Published Jun 17, 2026 03:45 pm

At A Glance

  • The Commission on Appointments (CA) has finally confirmed the promotion of the five Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) generals and flag officers and 85 Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) officials during a special session on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.
The Commission on Appointments (CA) has finally confirmed the promotion of the five Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) generals and flag officers and 85 Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) officials during a special session on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.
Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian, sitting as the CA chairperson, first announced the election of House and Senate contingents to the powerful appointments body.
With 22 members of the CA present, Gatchalian declared a quorum, waived the five-day notice requirement for meetings, citing the urgency of the pending appointments. 
Butuan City Rep. Jose Aquino II, chairperson of the CA Committee on National Defense, defended the military officers awaiting confirmation, saying their promotions had been placed on limbo "through no fault of their own.”
“These officers have faithfully discharged their duties, rendered distinguished service to the nation and met all the requirements for promotion,” Aquino stressed. 
Afterwards, the CA also confirmed the ad interim appointments of 85 DFA officials, including chiefs of mission, career ministers and foreign service officers. 
Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, chairman of the CA Committee on Foreign Affairs, said the career diplomats deserve timely action on their promotion as they have devoted their careers to advancing the country’s interests abroad. 
The appointments body also approved the DFA’s request to waive the personal appearance of 63 of the officials, as many of them are overseas, on official travel and or performing essential consular and diplomatic duties. 
The promotion of the AFP generals and career diplomats got stalled due to the lack of Senate sessions brought about by the leadership struggle in the Upper Chamber.
Also during the CA plenary session, Senators Rodante Marcoleta, Imee Marcos and Christopher “Bong” Go appeared at the confirmation hearing.
Moreover, Sen. Joel Villanueva was designated as the acting majority floor leader for the day.
The three senators were absent when the Senate opened the special session and elected Gatchalian as the new Senate chief early in the morning. 

Related Tags

Commission on Appointments (CA) Sherwin Gatchalian Senate House of Representatives
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