The 78-day term of father, former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff, former Senator, and former Congressman Rodolfo Biazon pushed Muntinlupa Representative Ruffy Biazon to file House Bill 7677, he bared on Wednesday.

HB 7677 aims to set a fixed number of years per term for the AFP Chief of Staff position that was assumed 35 times now, with each lasting an average of 1 year.

Aside from getting rid of the “revolving door policy”, the act would also ensure that the AFP chiefs and the military’s major service commanders would have enough time to execute their plans and projects.

“The current set-up leads to situations where some officers jockey for the position by trying curry favors with politicians in the hopes that they get appointed”, Biazon said.

According to the congressman, both him and his father have attempted to push for the Senate and House versions of the bill. However, it was vetoed by then-President Benigno Aquino III.

“This bill has a bit of a personal attachment to me. One of the reasons is that it has been a legislation that has been pushed by my father, former Senator, former Congressman, and former AFP Chief of Staff Rodolfo Biazon even in his earlier days in the Senate in the ‘90s. And when I also entered the House of Representatives, we both pushed for the same legislation,” he shared.

“My father, having been one of the shortest tenured chiefs of staff having served only three months, really recognized this importance to the organization,” the Muntinlupa lawmaker added.

Rodolfo Biazon Senior became the AFP Chief of Staff for 78 days, lasting from January 24, 1991 to April 12, 1991.

Once enacted, HB 7677 implements a three-year term for the AFP Chief and a minimum two-year term of office without prejudice to being appointed to a higher position for the major service commanders.

Photo Credit: Facebook/Congressman Ruffy Biazon