President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is preparing to make one of his most critical military appointments to date as Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Romeo S. Brawner Jr. approaches his mandatory retirement on July 21, 2026.

This leadership change is important because General Brawner is the first military chief to complete a fixed three-year term under Republic Act No. 11939. This law was created to stabilize military leadership and end the past “revolving door” policy in the military which often disrupted the AFP’s long-term institutional goals.

The next AFP Chief of Staff will assume command at a time of deep political divisions as the country moves toward the 2028 elections and continues to grapple with the ongoing impeachment trial. More than ever, the President will need a military leader whom he fully trusts to uphold stability and the chain of command.

The next AFP Chief of Staff will also face major security challenges. The military is continuing its shift from fighting internal insurgencies to protecting the country’s territory and maritime interests. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has said that General Brawner’s successor must continue the AFP’s modernization efforts and carry out the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC), which aims to strengthen the country’s defense across its islands and surrounding waters.

Although the final decision rests solely with the President, the AFP Board of Generals has reportedly prepared a shortlist of senior officers qualified to lead the military. They were selected based on their leadership experience, joint operations background, and ability to work with the Philippines’ defense partners.

Among the leading contenders is Lt. Gen. Rommel P. Roldan, the Acting AFP Vice Chief of Staff, a position that has traditionally been considered a stepping stone to the military’s top post. Perhaps the strongest contender is Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete, the Commanding General of the Philippine Army, which has produced most of the country’s Chiefs of Staff.

The country’s changing security priorities have also boosted the chances of senior officers from the Navy and Air Force. Among them is Vice Adm. Jose Ma. Ambrosio Q. Ezpeleta, Flag Officer in Command of the Philippine Navy, as maritime security and the West Philippine Sea remain at the forefront of the country’s defense agenda. Another is Lt. Gen. Arthur M. Cordura, Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force, who has led efforts to strengthen the country’s air defense capabilities.

Other senior officers also mentioned in succession discussions include Lt. Gen. Peralta, Lt. Gen. Gumiran, Lt. Gen. Reyeg, and Lt. Gen. Lagamon.

The appointment will show the direction President Marcos wants the Armed Forces to take for the rest of his administration and possibly even beyond