The military’s seniority and merit systems are again being strained to protect the illegitimate presidency of Gloria Arroyo.
One of the military officials whose promotion is awaiting confirmation by the Commission on Appointments is Brig. Gen. John Martir.
Martir is one extremely lucky guy. Despite a pending case of malversation of funds and falsification of documents before the Ombudsman, the Board of Generals recommended him for promotion to two-star rank (major general). This is the Martir’ second promotion in six months. Last June he was confirmed as brigadier general despite his having gone on AWOL (absent without leave) for more than one year ( 477) days during the period July 1998 to January 2000.