Change of Chief of Staff in Army, 1938

Major General Paulino Santos, of the Regular Force, is relieved from the position of Chief of Staff as of December 31, 1938.
He is also retired from active service effective the same date.

Major General Basilio J. Valdes, of the Regular Force and serving as Deputy Chief of Staff, is designated as the new Chief of Staff in place of Major General Paulino Santos.
Major General Valdes is to assume all duties and responsibilities of the Chief of Staff as prescribed by the National Defense Act and related executive orders.
The assumption of duties is effective January 1, 1939.

The order is formalized and promulgated in Manila on December 31, 1938.
It is signed by President Manuel L. Quezon and countersigned by Secretary to the President Jorge B. Vargas.
This executive order operates within the legal framework of the Commonwealth of the Philippines during its fourth year.

The change in military leadership is grounded in the law specifying continuity and proper appointment within the armed forces' command structure.
The designation is made pursuant to statutory authority, affirming the legal process for succession in high military office.
The terms "relieved" and "retired" indicate both removal from a key position and separation from active military duty, respectively.
Duties of the Chief of Staff are defined by existing law and pertinent executive directives, ensuring clarity in military command and control.