AT least two senators expressed strong support for the position of the Department of National Defense (DND) to amend Republic Act (RA) No. 11709, or “An Act Strengthening the Professionalism in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP),” during the hybrid hearing of the Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification, and Reconciliation.

Newly-appointed Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez said the proposed amendment would address the gaps and unintended consequences of implementing the law.

RA No. 11709, prescribes a fixed three-year term for senior military officers.

“As the newly-appointed Defense Chief, it is my duty to constructively look out for our troops’ welfare, and [one] of them is to ensure a level-playing (field) where cadet advancement is being taken care of, wherein continuity, stability, meritocracy, inclusiveness and sense of kindness will be the highest form of governance,” Galvez said during the hearing.

Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa admitted this move will really help as he expressed support for the position mentioned by the DND chief to amend RA 11709.

Dela Rosa agreed that this move will address the uneasiness, demotivation, and “demoralization” within the ranks of the AFP resulting from the implementation of the law.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Camille P. Balagtas