Did Manny Pacquaio Seek Appointment as Lieutenant Colonel in the AFP Reserve Force?

by Leo Reyes

The conferment of the military rank of Lieutenant Colonel on Rep. Manny Pacquiao from the rank of Master Sargent in the AFP Reserve Force has caused confusion and controversy in the military establishment and in Malacanang Palace.

Pacquiao’s promotion in the reserved force from Master Sargent to Lieutenant Colonel was a 5-ranked jump that include titles of Chief Master Sargent, 2nd Lieutenant, Lieutenant, Captain and Major. Military promotion like this one happens rarely in the AFP.

Pacquiao has denied he applied for the position of Lieutenant Colonel in the reserved force but an officer of the reservist affairs said Pacquiao did apply.

If it is indeed true that Pacquiao did not apply for the position, It becomes obvious the promotions to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel is tainted with political undertones which may have been hatched by ever eager officers in the Armed Forces who look at possible future rewards as Pacquiao continues to climb the political ladder.

But subsequent news about the controversial promotion show Malacanang trying to defend the appointment, saying there was nothing wrong with the appointment.

Executive Secretary Pacquito Ochoa reportedly approved Pacquiao’s appointment papers last September 21.

The former President of the National Defense College of the Philippines, Clarita Carlos said  Pacquiao isn’t eligible because he is not a college graduate, which is a requirement for the new position of Lieutenant Colonel.

With the new rank, Carlos said ‘Pacquiao can  theoretically lead a battalion of 400-500 people in case of full, partial or selective mobilization during national emergencies.’

Carlos said she’s not looking down on Pacquiao because he doesn’t have a college degree. But the qualification of the position ‘are concomitant with skills, knowledge and competencies’, she told ABS-CBN News.

Some military officials are saying the rank being conferred on Pacquiao was an appointment rather than a promotion, short of saying the conferment was honorary in nature. But everyone knows that there is no such thing as honorary ranks in military tradition.

As Pacquiao’s rapid promotion to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel is getting widespread criticism from the public, it may be appropriate for the fighting congressman from Sarangani to politely decline the instant promotion to save the military and the president from from further criticism.

After all, Pacquiao has denied asking for the controversial promotion and declining it at this time is the most appropriate and honorable thing to do.