Duterte presides over AFP change of command

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte graced last night the change of command ceremony of incoming Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

Duterte also attended the testimonial review for outgoing AFP chief Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., which coincided with the 83rd anniversary of the AFP.

Prior to his appointment, Madrigal served as chief of the Davao-based Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) since November 2017, where he led several operations against the communist New People’s Army. 

Galvez reaches his mandatory retirement age of 56 today. Duterte earlier announced that he wanted to appoint Galvez as presidential adviser on the peace process.

In the same event, Duterte also conferred the Order of Lapu-Lapu with the Rank of Kamagi to four soldiers for exemplary service. He also witnessed the awarding of military personnel and individuals recognizing their contribution and service to the AFP.

Duterte on Monday made public his intent to forgo eligibility rules for government appointments provided that the candidates are competent and honest.

“If you want to work during my term: you are competent and you are honest, period. No more eligibility requirement,” Duterte said in his speech at the Scout Ranger Ville in San Miguel, Bulacan.

Duterte led the initial awarding of 500 housing units to the Army’s First Scout Ranger Regiment based in Bulacan.

“I am not trying to degrade the qualification, the level of qualification but I need an honest person that is not corrupt,” he added.

Duterte had defended his decision to place former and retired police and military officials in the past since they would often “obey first” than complain.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the appointments showed how Duterte trusts the military officials because they are “known for their high degree of professionalism, discipline, and can-do attitude.”