Father and son
Ten days ago, we witnessed the change of command ceremonies of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) presided over by the commander in chief, President Aquino. For the first time in PAF history, the rites of renewal were held at Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, home of the Air Education and Training Command (AETC). This unit is responsible for the development and training of future officers and men of the Air Force, including the needed flight personnel for air operations in support of security and disaster response requirements.
In his relinquishment-of-command speech, the outgoing chief of the Air Force, Lt. Gen. Lauro Catalino Dela Cruz, revealed that he had requested for Fernando Air Base as the site of his farewell appearance as PAF chief because “he wished to end his military career where it all started. It was here in Fernando Air Base, as a young second lieutenant, that I learned how to fly an airplane. Flying has always been my first and last love.” A few days prior to retirement, he made what is known as his “champagne flight,” also at Fernando, the very last of many flight hours spent in the cockpit of an airplane.
A highlight of the day’s activities was a flyby of PAF planes forming the letters “TY” to honor their outgoing boss.
Succeeding Dela Cruz as PAF chief is Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado, PMA class 1982.
Not many people are aware that Jeffrey’s father was a chief petty officer (CPO), the highest enlisted naval rank during his time in the military service. Santos Delgado served as administrative assistant to the Armed Forces
attaché at the Philippine Embassy in Jakarta prior to his retirement. Today his son Jeffrey with two stars on his shoulders, (possibly three very soon), sits as the 33rd commanding general (CG) of the PAF.
How proud must the father be to see his son become not just an officer but the CG, PAF. Father and mother, both based in Los Angeles, were unable to come home for the happy occasion primarily due to health concerns.
When I asked Jeffrey why he chose the Air Force considering that his father was a Navy man, he replied that it was “fate.” During his time at the Philippine Military Academy, graduating cadets had to draw lots to determine which branch of service would get them. He ended up with the Air Force. No regrets!
I am reminded of a former AFP chief of staff, Gen. Jessie Dellosa. His father was an enlisted man who served with the 14th Battalion Combat Team during the Korean War.
In contrast, last Wednesday the Philippine Navy also had its change of command program at Sangley Point, Cavite, in a facility named after Commodore Heracleo Alano, father of the outgoing Navy flag officer in command (FOIC), Vice Adm. Jose Luis Alano. Father and son both graduated from the PMA, and both ended their military careers as head of the Philippine Navy. The older Alano graduated with class 1940 while the son is a member of class 1979. The new Navy chief, Rear Adm. Jesus Millan, is the 34th head of the fleet/marine organization.
We have some notable father-and-son combinations in the Armed Forces. In no particular order, let me name a few where both father and son made it to star rank. My apologies to those I may have missed.
Father Son
• Brig. Gen. Teodulfo Bautista Gen. Emmanuel Bautista
• Lt. Gen. Pelagio Cruz Brig. Gen. Wilfredo Cruz
• Gen. Manuel Yan Brig. Gen. Manuel Yan Jr.
• Brig. Gen. Roman Gavino Brig. Gen. Roman Gavino Jr.
• Lt. Gen. Salvador Mison Brig. Gen. Salvador Mison Jr.
• Brig. Gen. Rodolfo Ecarma Brig. Gen. Natalio Ecarma III
• Commo. Heracleo Alano Vice Adm. Jose Luis Alano
• Brig. Gen. Romulo Cabantac Brig. Gen. Romulo Cabantac Jr.
• Brig. Gen. Filemon Reodica Brig. Gen. Filemon Reodica Jr.
• Brig. Gen. Segundo Gazmin Lt. Gen. Voltaire Gazmin
While we’re at it, let me add a few foreigners:
• Gen. Arthur MacArthur Gen. Douglas MacArthur
• Gen. Dwight Eisenhower Brig. Gen. John Eisenhower
• Adm. John McCain Adm. John McCain Jr.
• Gen. George Patton Jr. Maj. Gen. George Patton IV
* * *
The major services of the AFP are now under a new leadership. Lt. Gen. Hernando Iriberri is Army commander; Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado heads the Air Force; and Rear Adm. Jesus Millan is the Navy FOIC.
On July 20, Gen. Emmanuel Bautista is scheduled to retire as AFP chief of staff upon reaching age 56. As I mentioned in an earlier column, the nation is facing serious threats to our territorial integrity. The recently signed Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro will benefit from continuity in the AFP leadership. General Bautista is the father of Oplan Bayanihan and has the trust and confidence of all the stakeholders involved in the agreement. His presence will serve to assure proper implementation of agreed arrangements. Perhaps, it would be prudent to maintain the status quo insofar as the chief of staff position is concerned.
In suggesting the possible extension of General Bautista as AFP chief, I cited the case of Gen. Arturo Enrile who was extended for six months beyond the mandatory age of 56. The bases of Enrile’s extension were the position papers submitted by then chief presidential counsel Rene Cayetano and Justice Secretary Tito Guingona. They opined that the records of the Constitutional Commission deliberations indicated the intention of the framers to exempt the AFP chief of staff from the retirement policy covering military officers. In other words, they would allow the chief of staff to continue serving even beyond the mandatory age of retirement (56 years old) but not exceeding a 3-year tenure.
In 1996, Republic Act No. 8186, An Act Prescribing Officer-Grade Distribution in the Active Force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Limiting the Tenure of Officers in the Grade of Colonel/Captain (PN) and General/Flag Officers in the AFP, was signed into law. Section 3 thereof reads: “. . . Colonels/Captain PN and General/Flag Officers shall be compulsorily retired upon the attainment of the maximum tenure in grade herein prescribed, or upon reaching the age of compulsory retirement whichever is earlier except for the Chief of Staff, AFP who may be allowed by the President of the Philippines to finish tenure in position as provided for in the Constitution” (underscoring supplied).
