Section 1Sec./Art. 1

Declaration of Policy. -In pursuit of modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), it is hereby declared the policy of the State to:

(a) Enhance professionalization in the organization by strengthening the merit system. allow the new leadership a longer period to implement reforms, and institutionalize sound policies that will redound to the improvement of the AFP;

(b) Promote the most qualified officers to higher ranks;

(c) Obviate revolving door accommodation promotions to successfully create a new culture of excellence in leadership and accountability in the AFP; and

(d) Refine and improve the rules on retirement and commissionship,

Towards this end, the State shall:

(a) Fix the tour of duty of the Chief of Staff and other officers holding key positions;

(b) Adjust the mandatory retirement age of officers of the AFP;

(c) Raise the age of commission of officers of the AFP;

(d) Ensure the implementation of merit-based promotion and attrition system that will assure the AFP of a continuous pool of qualified and effective leaders; and

(e) Modify the Grade Distribution of Officers.

TITLE II

TOUR OF DUTY