FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
7 JUL -3 
fila :45 
. 
First Regular Session 
) 
S E N A T E  
Senate Bill No. 7 0 4 
1 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The highly delicate and sensitive functions of the Chief of Staff of the 
armed forces demand judicious appointment to said post, on the part of the 
President, of a qualified officer, with exemplary leadership qualities, exceptional 
intellectual capabilities and outstanding military expertise. 
The Constitution, R.A. No. 291, a.k.a. the “Armed Forces officer Personnel 
Act,” and other appropriate laws already provide for qualifications for such 
position. However, these laws are silent as to the minimum length of service for 
such tour of duty, while providing a maximum period of three years. 
As a result, the President is given discretion to make appointment albeit 
the same is only for a very limited period, such as what has happened during the 
current administration, where the previous Chief of Staff, for instance, was 
mandated to serve for only three months. 
While this may not have any repercussion at face value, it may have 
serious implications anent the successful implementation of various programs of 
the AFP. For certainly these programs could be disrupted, hampered and even 
worse, possibly abandoned by a swift and sudden change of command. 
Considering the present campaign of the AFP against insurgency and 
terrorism and its apparent thrust towards civil military operations, it is significant 
to ensure that there is smooth continuity and institutionalization of adopted 
programs and strategies to realize its objectives. 
Hence, the proposed measure seeks to prohibit appointment of an officer 
as Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces when said officer has less than a year 
remaining in the active service. 
Immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
Senator 


7 JUL -3 A10:45 
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
First Regular Session 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
BECElvEo 
S E N A T E  
Senate Bill No. 7 0 4 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
AN ACT 
AMENDING SECTION NINE (9) OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 291 SO AS TO 
PROVIDE THAT NO OFFICER SHALL BE APPOINTED CHIEF OF STAFF IF 
SAID OFFICER HAS LESS THAN A YEAR REMAINING IN THE ACTIVE 
SERVICE. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Amendment. - Paragraph (b) of Section nine (9) of Republic 
"Sec. 9. 
Promotion to grade of major general and lieutenant 
general. -- (b) The officer designated as Chief of Staff shall hold office for 
a term of three years, unless sooner terminated by the President; 
PROVIDED THAT NO OFFICER SHALL BE APPOINTED AS CHIEF OF 
STAFF IF SAID OFFICER HAS LESS THAN A YEAR REMAINING IN 
THE ACTIVE SERVICE." 
Act No. 291 is hereby amended to read as follows: 
SEC. 2. Separability Clause. - If any provision, or part hereof is held 
invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise 
affected shall remain valid and subsisting. 
SEC. 3. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, 
executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation 
contrary to. 
SEC. 4. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
after its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved,