Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

THIRTEENTH CONGRESS

First Regular Session

House Bill No. 219

Introduced by Hon. Rozzano Rufino B. Biazon

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Many government objectives are subordinated to conformity to rules and regulations that,
sadly, hamper their realization.

Programs of whatever nature, whether government or private, usually require a certain
length of time to realize its goals. The person at the helm should thus enjoy a length of
service — even better, a security of tenure — that would allow him/her adequate time to
plan, test, execute matters to best achieve a desired end. This is even more imperative in
‘the case of key government positions such as the Chief of Staff and the Major Service
‘Commanders that constitute the core leadership of the AFP, whose tenure, though limited
by the Constitution to three years, is even shortened by compulsory retirement laws.

Such situation thus puts a damper on the selection of individuals for vacancies as the
President’s choices are limited to senior officers whose retirements draw near and thus
casts a shadow on the President's action as being politically driven.

With the positions in question being critical to the country’s interests, it is perhaps only
correct that the persons chosen to serve in such capacity be the best, not necessarily
among the most senior, and enjoy a period of service that will allow him/her to
implement programs and thus deliver on the objectives of the armed forces.

This bill endeavors to shield the selection process for such positions from political and
personal considerations, by ensuring that merit and fitness prevail. It also grants security
of tenure to ensure continuity of programs and better, free from patronage, performance.

With the foregoing considerations, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

RO; 1O anf B. hf
Lor unt

istrict, Muntinlupa City


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
THIRTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House BillNo.__ 219

Introduced by Hon. Rozzano Rufino B. Biazon

AN ACT
PRESCRIBING A FIXED TERM FOR THE CHIEF OF STAFF AND MAJOR
SERVICE COMMANDERS OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

Section 1. Declaration of Policy. —It is hereby declared the policy of the State to
give due recognition to the significance of the positions of the Chief of Staff and the
Major Service Commanders of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Section 2. Terms of Office. - The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the
Philippines shall have a fixed term of office of three (3) years, and the Major Service
Commanders shall each have a fixed term of office of two (2) years. The terms shall
commence on the date of appointment by the President.

No extension of term shulll be allowed, except for the position of Chief of Staff,
which may be extended in cases of war or national emergencies as declared by Congress.

‘When compulsory retirement age is reached before the end of term for any of the
abovesaid positions, he shall be allowed to complete his term but shall be deemed
compulsorily retired upon completion of the same.

Section 3. Rules and Regulations. — The Department of National Defense shall
formulate the rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this Act.

Section 4. Repealing Clause. — Section 4 of R. A. No. 8186, with respect to the
maximum tenure in the position of Major Service Commanders, is hereby amended
accordingly.

All other issuances, laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations, or parts thereof
not consistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 5. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,