4 key positions at AFP still vacant

At least four key positions in the Armed Forces of the Philippines have been vacant for months while the new law, which sets fixed terms for senior officials was being ironed out. The three-star rank positions—AFP vice chief of staff, Navy flag officer in command, commanders of Southern Luzon Command and Western Mindanao Command—have been occupied only in acting capacities. “It is being addressed right now. Remember that we have a new law [Republic Act. No] 11709 and we studied this carefully,” Acting Defense Secretary Jose Faustino Jr. said on Monday. RA 11709, which took effect on July 1 sets a three-year fixed term for the AFP chief of staff, vice chief of staff, deputy chief of staff, major service commanders, area commanders and inspector general “unless sooner terminated by the President.”