AFP chief bypassed by Commission on Appointments
By Christina Mendez (The Philippine Star) Updated June 05, 2010 12:00 AM
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MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Appointments bypassed yesterday Armed Forces chief Delfin
Bangit, and he may have to be replaced by his deputy in an acting capacity, according to the head of the CA.
Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, overall chairman of the CA, said Bangit’s term has expired when
Congress adjourned sine die.
Enrile said Bangit’s term “expires today (because) the Congress will adjourn.”
Enrile said the AFP vice chief of staff might take over Bangit’s post.
Gen. Rodrigo Maclang is next in line in the AFP hierarchy although he is also set to retire within the month.
“If he (Bangit) is not reappointed by the next president, then he will lose the position as chief of staff but he
will carry the rank of four-star general. An interim appointment is a valid appointment in all respects. It’s not a
nomination, mind you. It’s an ad interim appointment and is valid in any respect,” Enrile said.
Bangit was appointed AFP chief last March 9 – the last day President Arroyo was allowed by law to make
appointments.
“He (Bangit) is the chief of staff, he carries the position of chief of staff, he carries the salary of the CS, period.
He will retire as CS with all the benefits,” Enrile said.
President Arroyo cannot reappoint Bangit because she is barred by the Constitution from making midnight
appointments within two months before her term ends on June 30.
“The vice chief of staff will take over. He (Bangit) has to step down as chief of staff. That’s why you have a vice
chief of staff to take over,” he said.
Sen. Rodolfo Biazon, who chaired the Senate defense committee, said the CA’s failure to act on Bangit’s
promotion to four-star general meant he should step down from his post.
The CA had bypassed the confirmation of Bangit’s promotion to the rank of four-star general, along with that
of three lieutenant generals, 11 major generals, 40 brigadier generals and 247 colonels.
Some military officials, however, said Bangit should remain as AFP chief of staff.
“Virtually it’s status quo. He is still the chief of staff. His non-confirmation is for his (Bangit) rank and not his
position as AFP chief. This is a military and not a civilian position,” a senior military officer said.
The official also bared that because of this development, there is now a growing sentiment within the military
that Congress appeared to have already neglected the uniformed services.
Lt. Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos, AFP Public Information Office (PIO) chief, said the military leadership fully
respects the decision of Congress, which adjourned session without confirming the promotion of the
military officers. With Jaime Laude
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