A senator has asked the Commission on Appointments (CA) to explain its decision to confirm the promotion of five Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) generals despite questions over compliance with the one-year remaining service requirement under military modernization law.
In a letter addressed to CA Secretary Myra Marie Villarica and later endorsed to CA officials, Sen. Imee Marcos questioned the basis for the approval of the promotions, citing provisions under Republic Act 11939, which requires officers to have at least one year of active service remaining before compulsory retirement to qualify for promotion to certain ranks.
She pointed out that the officers concerned were already nearing retirement age when their ad interim appointments were made in 2026, leaving them with less than the required service period.
The officials include Lt. Gen. Edmundo Peralta, Vice Adm. Alan Javier, Maj. Gen. Isagani Criste, Brig. Gen. Niceforo Diaz Jr., and Brig. Gen. Rosemawarte Remo, all born in 1970 and appointed between April 14 and April 30, 2026.
The five were later confirmed during a special session convened on June 17.
“The earliest day that the above-named officers could have been re-appointed was upon the adjournment of the session on 03 June 2026,” the senator stressed, noting that even if reappointed at the earliest possible date, they would still fall short of the statutory requirement.
She raised several questions before the CA, including whether the body considered the legal requirements for promotion, whether any exemptions were applied, and whether there are official records justifying the approvals despite the apparent restrictions.
The lady solon also asked if the CA has issued any interpretation or guidance regarding the eligibility of officers with less than one year of active service remaining.
She noted that similar concerns had previously been raised in plenary discussions but stressed the need for formal clarification given the implications for future AFP promotions.
During the June 17 special session, Sen. Panfilo Lacson defended the promotions, saying the ad interim appointments were essentially resubmissions of earlier nominations that were not acted upon during the previous regular session.
Lacson argued that the confirmation process was part of a continuing session and that the officers were not responsible for delays in congressional action.
“Hindi pa sila pasok sa one-year ban kasi hindi naman po nila kasalanan na nagkagulo-gulo kami sa Senado,” Lacson said, adding that the appointments were valid as resubmitted nominations during a special session framework.