Manila, Philippines — Eleven more senior military officers are going up in rank, including Philippine Army chief, Maj. Gen. Arturo Ortiz – a Medal of Valor awardee – whose promotion to three-star general is now just awaiting approval by President Aquino.

This was revealed on Wednesday by Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr., Armed Forces spokesman. Mabanta was among 66 newly promoted senior military officers led by the AFP Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Ricardo David, who took their oath before the Commander- in-Chief on Tuesday.

But while the officers took oath before Aquino, many of them received their promotion orders during the time of former President now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

According to Mabanta, Ortiz and 10 more AFP officers have been recommended for promotion by the military Board of Generals (BoG).

The recommendations have been submitted by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin to the Office of the President.

Aside from Ortiz, another officer who Mabanta did not identify has also been recommended to the

three-star rank or Lieutenant General. As issues have been raised on the promotions system in the AFP, Mabanta stressed “seniority is not the only factor” being considered for promotion.

He said another factor is the ability to perform, and also service reputation.

According to Mabanta, Ortiz meets all these qualities.

“He has all these qualities and he is senior enough and he has an unblemished service reputation,” said Mabanta on the Army chief.

Ortiz is the 53rd Philippine Army commanding general. He was bestowed the Medal of Valor , the highest military award for successfully leading five teams of the Army’s 606th Special Forces Company in fighting off some 300 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels during a raid on the rebels’ stronghold in Negros Occidental 20 years ago. He was a Captain then.

The fierce gun battle that lasted two hours led to the killing of 84 NPA rebels and capture of several others.

Thirty-three assorted firearms, rifle and hand grenades, and other enemy equipment were likewise recovered following the clash.

Mabanta said Ortiz was recommended for promotion only recently. He added more officers will also be recommended “in due time,” saying they are just “waiting for vacancy.”