Bill setting retirement age, tour of duty in AFP ratified
A bicameral conference committee report, that fixes the tour of duty of officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, was ratified by both Houses of Congress before the session goes on Holy Week and summer break.
The two Chambers were able to settle on the disagreeing provisions of Senate Bill 1849 and House Bill 6517.
According to the joint committee explanation of the changes that harmonized both Houses’ respective versions, the panel agreed to use the Senate version as the working draft.
However, the title of the House version was adopted and amended to be part of the final bill.
The ratified version prescribes a retirement age of 57 for military officers and enlisted personnel.
The proposed law retained the three-year maximum tour of duty for the AFP Chief of Staff provided under Republic Act 11709 unless sooner terminated by the President.
Meanwhile, the commanding generals of the three major services – the commanding generals of the Philippine Army and Philippine Air Force; and the flag officer in command of the Philippine
Navy — and the superintendent of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) will retire upon completion of their maximum tour of duty of two consecutive years or upon the relief of the President.
The measure is set to be sent to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for signature.
