Confirmation of military officers sign of mature democracy

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31, 2019): Confirmation of military officers sign of mature democracy

The confirmation of ranking military officers is a clear demonstration that the country's democracy is a mature one, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Benjamin Madrigal said Wednesday.

Madrigal's remarks came shortly after the Commission on Appointments (CA) confirmed his appointment as AFP chief and the country's highest ranking military officer with a four-star rank.

Madrigal, who received his ad interim appointment as AFP chief on Dec. 12, 2018, got his fourth star last January 10.

"The process of confirmation is a reminder of our place in a mature democratic society and our unbreakable subservience to civilian authority," Madrigal said in a statement.

Also confirmed were the ad interim appointments of Lt. Gen. Noel Clement as AFP Central Command head and Brig. Gen. Virgilio Bartolome as Philippine Army Headquarters and Headquarters Service Group commander.

The AFP chief reminded his fellow appointees of the high expectations that come with their ranks and positions in the military.

"I congratulate my fellow appointees for this confirmation. I hope that this will further inspire us to work hard in the performance of our duties and responsibilities to the Filipino and our country," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1060587