New Army chief sets policy for appointments

MANILA, Philippines � (UPDATE) Newly-installed Army chief Major General Arturo Ortiz made a strong stance on meritocracy on Friday, stressing the importance of merits and credentials on appointments at the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

In his speech, the bemedalled Army chief said, "I would rather stay low brought about by my own efforts than to stay high without striving for it."

Ortiz also did not hesitate to state that although he would respect his upperclassmen in the Army, "I alone am responsible for the Philippine Army."

Ortiz said he was expecting "quality leadership" from his ground commanders and said that those who could not show this should "make way" for those who can.

Working on his statement on meritocracy, Ortiz said selection process on ground commanders would be based on "character, competence, and track record."

Ortiz also gave two orders to his men: First is that every soldier should protect democracy and Constitution and second, to run after terrorist groups that are threats to democracy.

"We will not stop at going after armed groups that threaten democracy," he said, while at the same time stressing the importance of protecting human rights and avoiding collateral damage.
Ortiz, recipient of the Medal of Valor, the highest military award and a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1979, replaced Lieutenant General Reynaldo Mapagu, who has been promoted as vice chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

A native of Bautista, Pangasinan, Ortiz served as Commander of the Special Operations Command (SOCOM) of the Philippine Army. He also served in other sensitive posts in the AFP, including Regiment Commander of the Special Forces Regiment and Chief of the AFP Command Center, among others.

Aside from the Medal of Valor award, Ortiz is also a recipient of four Distinguished Service Stars, three Gold Cross medals, four Bronze Cross medals, and four Military Merit medals, among others.

Ortiz was awarded the Medal of Valor by then president Corazon Aquino after he led five teams of the 606th Special Forces Company and militiamen in a raid against 300 rebels in Negros Occidental in 1990. The raid led to the death of 84 rebels.

Source: Inquirer