Paquiao Jumped Five Ranks To Lieutenant Colonel

Paquiao, formerly a Master Sergeant, jumped five ranks to Lieutenant Colonel

The Palace on Monday dismissed criticism from the former head of the National Defense College that its promotion of boxing champion and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao to lieutenant colonel went against established rules requiring any officer to be promoted to be a college graduate.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said Pacquiao was entitled to the rank like other elected officials.

“It was because of his position as a congressman [that]... he is entitled to the rank of lieutenant colonel,” he said, citing an Armed Forces circular awarding the same position to senators, provincial governors and mayors of cities.



The view was contrary to those expressed by Clarita Carlos, former president of the National Defense College, who questioned Pacquiao’s promotion because he did not finish college, a requirement for the rank.

Carlos said in ABS-CBN’s morning talk show that Pacquiao could theoretically be called on to lead 400 to 500 people in case of a mobilization during a national emergency.

“We’re really talking about putting in the hands of somebody the lives of that many people, Carlos told Umagang Kay Ganda.

“We are not putting down someone because he has no college degree. What we are saying is that the reason why there is a qualification like that is that the qualifications are concomitant with skills, knowledge and competencies.”

Paquiao, formerly a master sergeant, jumped five ranks to lieutenant colonel after Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. signed his commission papers. Pacquiao entered the Army Reserve Force in April 2006 with the rank of sergeant.

"Even Senator Lito Lapid aka "Leon Guerrero" has the same title. He is also not a college graduate....Pag sikat ka nga naman...."