SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) 
First Regular Session 
) 
S.B.No. 
1180 
Introduced by Senator Antonio "Sonny" F. TriUanes IV 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The positions of Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as well as those of 
the Major Services Commanders of the AFP, namely: (a) Commanding General of the Philippine 
Army; (b) Flag Officer in Command of the Philippinv Navy (PN); and (c) Commanding General 
of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) are very critical and sensitive positions, involving as they do 
the leadership bfthe Armed Services entrusted with the security and defense of the country. The 
problem is that because of the fact that the appointing authority is usually limited in his choice to 
only the most senior officers of the AFP, the appointees normally serve for only very short 
periods of time, usually for just one (1) year or even less before going into retirement. 
There is no doubt that this state of things is adversely affecting the AFP and the nation, with the 
ChiefofStaffofthe AFP and Chiefs ofthe Major Services only staying long enough to warm up 
their seats but not long enough to be able to develop, put into place and implement meaningful 
medium and long term plans and programs for their commands. Moreover, the appointees to the 
subject positions are prone to being "politicized" with the positions being dangled before 
potential appointees under such dubious practices like the "revolving door policy" which was 
previously practiced by the current administration. 
This bill, hence, proposes to provide for a fixed term ofthree (3) years for the Chief of Staff of 
the AFP as well as his Major Services Commanders. The idea is to give them a fixed term or 
tenure to provide for continuity and stability in the leadership of the AFP and shield the same 
from the perils of partisan politics. 
This bill was passed by both Houses during the 15th Congress. Unfortunately, the same was 
vetoed by the President. His my hope that this Congress, a compromise could be arrived at and 
this bill could be finally enacted into law. 
In view ofthe foregoing circumstances, approval ofthis bill is urgently requested. 
ANt::t1. ~.::LANFB rv 
Senator 
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SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) 
First Regular Session 
) 
SBNo. 
1180 
Introduced by Senator Antonio "Sonny" F. Trillanes IV 
AN ACT 
PRESCRIBING FIXED TERMS FOR THE CHIEF OF STAFF AND THE MAJOR 
SERVICE COMMANDERS OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES (AFP) 
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
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SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy - It is hereby declared the policy ofthe State to give 
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due recognition to the significance of the position of the Chief of Staff and the Major Service 
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Commanders of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in order to promote the stability of 
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the AFP as an institution thereby enabling it to perform its constitutional mandate. 
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SEC. 2. Terms of Office. - The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines 
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shall have a fixed term of office of three (3) years. The Major Service Commanders shall each 
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have a minimum term of office oftwo (2) years without prejudice to being appointed as Chief of 
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Staff if otherwise qualified. Provided, that, no officer shall be appointed as a Major Service 
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Commander if that officer has less than two (2) years remaining in the active service: Provided, 
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further, That no extension of term shall be allowed, except for the position of the Chief of Staff, 
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which may be extended in cases of war or national emergencies as Congress may declare. The 
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terms of office for both the Chief of Staff and the Major Service Commanders shall commence 
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on the date of appointment by the President. 
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When the officer appointed to the position of Chief of Staff (AFP) reaches the 
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compulsory retirement age before the end of the three (3) year term, the statutory compulsory 
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retirement of the Chief of Staff (AFP) shall be deferred until the completion of the prescribed 
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term: Provided, however, that the Chief of Staff (AFP) may be removed by the President as 
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, , 
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Commander in Chief for loss of confidence at any time before the end of the term of three (3) 
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years. 
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The President shall select from among the officers in the grades of Major General/Rear 
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Admiral to Lieutenant General/Vice Admiral the officer who, in the judgment ofthe President, is 
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best qualified for the position of Chief of Staff 
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SEC. 3. Rules and Regulations. - The Secretary of National Defense shall formulate the 
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rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this Act. 
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SEC. 4. Repealing Clause. - All issuances, laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations, 
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or parts thereof not consistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
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SEC. 5. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days fo 1I0wing its publication 
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in the Official Gazette or in.at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved. 
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