Senator Bong Go expressed strong support for the promotions of 57 Generals, Flag Officers, and Senior Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), recognizing their years of dedicated service and sacrifice in safeguarding the nation.
Speaking before the Commission on Appointments, Go, vice chairperson of the Commission on Appointments – Committee on National Defense, first sought clarification on the promotion process to ensure transparency and fairness within the military ranks.
Addressing Col. Juvegleen Escandor, Chief of the Promotion Division of OJ1, the veteran legislator asked about the official criteria used in promoting officers to the rank of Colonel.
“Noong panahon ni former President Duterte, bukas talaga ang opisina namin sa mga hinaing, sa mga reklamo, sa kung anong makakatulong sa buong organization… Para malinaw sa publiko, kasi merong nagparating sa amin na Lieutenant Colonel na hindi po siya nasama sa promotion,” the seasoned lawmaker said.
The senator then asked, “Ano ho ba ang official criteria ninyo sa promotion to the rank of Colonel, at paano ninyo tinitimbang ang qualitative rating score, ang accomplishments, position, ang resulta ng physical fitness test, at ang requirement na naka-occupy ba sa O6 position? Dapat ba, O6?”
Escandor explained that promotions follow a structured point system based on an officer’s quantitative and qualitative ratings accumulated throughout their military career.
“The qualifications sir, we have the quantitative and qualitative ratings. These are point systems that you acquire from your assignment from your Second Lieutenant up to you becoming a Lieutenant Colonel. Every assignment, every award, every schooling sir, may corresponding points siya,” he said.
Escandor further noted that the point system differs slightly among the Army, Navy, and Air Force but follows a standardized framework within the AFP. Once officers reach the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and are considered for promotion to Colonel, their accumulated points and performance are evaluated during the promotion cycle.
Following the discussion, Go congratulated the newly promoted officials and acknowledged their dedication to national service.
“Each appointment we consider today tells a story of service—service rendered not for recognition but for duty and love of country.”
“Mr. Chair, each appointment we consider today tells a story of service—service rendered not for recognition but for duty and love of country. These officers have devoted the better part of their lives to the defense of our nation. They have led troops in the field, managed vital institutions, responded to crises, and borne the heavy burden of command in times both ordinary and extraordinary,” he stressed.
“Sa panahon po ng banta sa seguridad, sakuna, at iba’t ibang hamon sa kapayapaan at kaayusan, sila po ay nanindigan at naglingkod nang buong katapatan. Sa iba’t ibang tungkulin at responsibilidad na kanilang ginampanan, napatunayan po ng mga opisyal na ito ang kanilang kakayahang mamuno nang may talino at pagmamalasakit sa Pilipino,” he added.
“Sa panahon po ng banta sa seguridad, sakuna, at iba’t ibang hamon sa kapayapaan at kaayusan, sila po ay nanindigan at naglingkod nang buong katapatan.”
Go also urged the officers to continue placing the welfare of the Filipino people at the center of their duties.
“I call on each and every one of you to always place the interests of our people above all else. In every decision you make, in every command you give, and in every task entrusted to you, may the welfare of the Filipino nation remain your highest consideration,” he stressed.
Go then recalled how former President Rodrigo Duterte prioritized the welfare of uniformed personnel, particularly through efforts to increase their salaries during his administration.
“At noong panahon po ni dating Pangulong Duterte, ipinaglaban po natin na madoble ang sahod ng entry position along with my fellow senators na nakipaglaban din po. Dahil po yan sa inyong serbisyo sa ating bayan at para mapanatili ang ating peace and order at matugunan ang insurgency. Kayo po talaga ang lumaban,” he said.
“Parati ko lang pong pinapaalala sa ating Armed Forces of the Philippines—unahin po ang interes ng bayan, unahin po ang interes ng bawat Pilipino, and of course protect our sovereignty. Iyon naman po ang parati ninyong ginagawa,” Go concluded.
