CA confirms Clement as AFP chief

Before his appointment as AFP chief, Clement was designated as the head of the Cebu-based Central Command on Nov. 16, 2018. (File Photo: 10th Infantry Agila Division Philippine Army/Facebook)

MANILA — The Commission on Appointments (CA) on Wednesday confirmed the ad interim appointment of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Noel Clement.

No CA member opposed the appointment of the top military official who assumed the post on September 24.

Before his appointment as AFP chief, Clement was designated as the head of the Cebu-based Central Command on Nov. 16, 2018.

In her endorsement speech, Senator Grace Poe described Clement as a steady achiever, a true officer, and a fair leader.

“The nominee’s quiet and pleasant demeanor speaks volumes. His appointment gives us a seasoned officer with an impressive track record in both field and management position,” she said.

“Gen. Noel Clement is proof that it is indeed quality leadership and not length of command that is the true measure of success as the AFP Chief of Staff. To command is to serve. And his outstanding years of service showed us exactly this. Our only regret, perhaps, is that he will serve too short a time as AFP Chief,” Poe said.

Clement, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1985, is set to retire on Jan. 5, 2020.