For Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., the next Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff should be someone who would carry on the legacy of Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. who is retiring on 21 July.

An AFP chief of staff’s tenure is governed by Republic Act 11939, or An Act Further Strengthening Professionalism and Promoting the Continuity of Policies and Modernization Initiatives in the AFP, which amended Republic Act 11709.

Under the law, the chief of staff has a fixed maximum term of three years, unless earlier terminated by the President. Brawner assumed office on 21 July 2023.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Philippine Air Force’s 79th founding anniversary in Pasay City, Teodoro told reporters the decision on the next chief of staff ultimately rests with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“That is a matter for the President to decide. The position of AFP chief of staff is unique compared to all other positions in the armed forces. I, along with everyone else, will wait for the President’s decision,” he said in Filipino.

Teodoro said he could recommend a successor to Brawner but the process is confidential.

“This process is between the President and the Secretary of National Defense. It is privileged, so it cannot be publicly discussed,” he said.

Still, he hinted that Brawner’s successor must be someone capable of building on the retiring general’s accomplishments.

“Succession is very important; it’s also difficult. We must choose someone who will build on and continue the legacy of General Brawner,” Teodoro said, praising the outgoing AFP chief for setting a high standard of leadership.

“The standard set by General Brawner is very high, whether in local or international engagements, in the overall management of the AFP’s joint services, and in helping me implement the reforms that needed to be carried out, especially in the transition from solely internal security operations to focusing on both internal security and external defense,” Teodoro said.

He emphasized the transition is critical and the incoming chief of staff must sustain the reforms and momentum established under Brawner’s leadership.