(POLITIKO) The Senate on Monday approved on third and final reading the proposed measure seeking to address the concerns of senior military officers on the three-year fixed terms of the chief of staff and other top officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, the author of Senate Bill No. 1849, thanked his colleagues for their inputs in improving his bill that would amend Republic Act No. 11709, or the Act Strengthening Professionalism and Promoting the Continuity of Policies and Modernization Initiatives in the Military Organization.
Defense and military officials had earlier admitted that the repercussions of the law on the career of many senior AFP officials caused the “grumblings” in the 143,000-strong military organization.
“This bill will also provide the AFP with the flexibility, stability and dynamism to adequately adapt and respond to the demands of the uncertain times,” Estrada said after the Senate approved the measure’s final version.
“I am confident that this measure will usher improved morale for our soldiers and officers of the (AFP). It sends a clear message that this Senate, their Senate, is one with our gallant soldiers and heroes as they perform their noble duty of protecting and defending our beloved country against aggressors and enemies,” he said.