Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. on Monday said they have submitted a recommendation to Senate to remove the mandatory fixed terms of senior officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
In an ambush interview with the media at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, Galvez said Senators already expressed support for the proposed removal.
"We are very thankful that our Senate, headed by our Senate President, made a statement that they will support our recommendation which is we will already remove the fixed term. Instead, we will use the term extended tenure of service," he said.
The fixed term is mandated under Republic Act 11709 or Act of Strengthening professionalism and promoting the continuity of policies and modernization in AFP signed by former president Rodrigo Duterte on April 13, 2022.
Under the law, the AFP chief of staff, vice chief of staff, deputy chief of staff, major service commanders, unified command commanders, and inspector general shall serve under a fixed three-year tour of duty "unless sooner terminated by the President."
According to Galvez, the use of extended tenure of service will allow "flexible" and not "absolute" career management of AFP officials.
"Maganda ang magiging flexibility because it will not [be] tied up or even diminish 'yung power ng President to remove officers," he said.
The DND Chief said if there are circumstances that the President lost trust and confidence in some AFP key officials, he can order an immediate replacement.
