Creation of AFP Chief and Senior Master Sergeant Ranks

Two new noncommissioned officer (NCO) ranks are established:
- Chief Master Sergeant/Master Chief Petty Officer (E-9)
- Senior Master Sergeant/Senior Chief Petty Officer (E-8)
These ranks form part of the AFP enlisted ranks.

The authorized number of new rank positions shall align with the approved Table of Organization.
Reference is made to Republic Act No. 7898 (AFP Modernization Act) for authorization.

Promotion from Master Sergeant/Chief Petty Officer to Senior Master Sergeant/Senior Chief Petty Officer, and from Senior Master Sergeant/Senior Chief Petty Officer to Chief Master Sergeant/Master Chief Petty Officer, is based on:
- Merit
- Fitness
- Other qualifications as determined by the Secretary of National Defense

Qualified Master Sergeants/Chief Petty Officers may be promoted to Senior Master Sergeant/Senior Chief Petty Officer; similarly, qualified Senior Master Sergeants/Senior Chief Petty Officers may be promoted to Chief Master Sergeant/Master Chief Petty Officer.
Compensation for ranks:
- Chief Master Sergeant/Master Chief Petty Officer receives pay equal to Master Sergeant/Chief Petty Officer base pay plus half the difference between a Second Lieutenant/Ensign and Master Sergeant/Chief Petty Officer.
- Senior Master Sergeant/Senior Chief Petty Officer receives pay equal to Master Sergeant/Chief Petty Officer base pay plus half the difference between Chief Master Sergeant/Master Chief Petty Officer and Master Sergeant/Chief Petty Officer.
Quarters allowance calculations follow the same scheme.

Retirees reaching ranks of Master Sergeant/Chief Petty Officer and above are entitled to retirement pay and benefits equivalent to those of a Second Lieutenant/Ensign.
Gratuity for retirement:
- Chief Master Sergeant/Master Chief Petty Officer receives gratuity equal to Second Lieutenant/Ensign plus half the difference between Second Lieutenant/Ensign gratuity and Master Sergeant/Chief Petty Officer gratuity.
- Senior Master Sergeant/Senior Chief Petty Officer receives gratuity equal to Second Lieutenant/Ensign plus half the difference between Chief Master Sergeant/Master Chief Petty Officer gratuity and Master Sergeant/Chief Petty Officer gratuity.
Option exists to receive monthly retirement pay instead of gratuity, computed on the same basis.
Upon retirement, options include receiving lump sum annual retirement pay for first three years with subsequent monthly installments.
If retiree dies within three years with surviving beneficiaries, benefits are deferred until after the three-year period.
No retroactive pay adjustments for already retired personnel due to active service salary increases.
Retirees recalled to active duty may have pension adjusted based on active pay scale upon termination of recall.

The AFP Command Sergeant Major is selected from Chief Master Sergeants/Master Chief Petty Officers.
Selection rules are prescribed by the AFP Chief of Staff.
Term of office is a maximum of three (3) years unless terminated sooner.

The Secretary of National Defense sets the maximum tenure-in-grade for Master Sergeant/Chief Petty Officer, Senior Master Sergeant/Senior Chief Petty Officer, and Chief Master Sergeant/Master Chief Petty Officer ranks.

The Secretary of National Defense must promulgate implementing rules and regulations within ninety (90) days following approval.

Funding required for implementation charged to the Department of National Defense’s current appropriations.
Continued funding included in subsequent General Appropriations Acts.

If any provision is declared unconstitutional, it shall not affect the validity of other provisions.

Laws, decrees, orders, rules, and issuances inconsistent with this Act are repealed or amended accordingly.

The Act takes effect fifteen (15) days after publication in two newspapers of national circulation.