Administrative Code of 1987
Section 42. The Chief of Staff . -
(1) The Chief of Staff, under the authority and direction of the President and the Secretary of National Defense shall be responsible for the development and execution of the national defense programs and armed forces mission; and prescribe, in accordance with policies of the Secretary of National Defense, the organization, powers, functions and duties of the various staff, services, installations and other units of the AFP.
(2) The President shall nominate and with the consent of the Commission on Appointments, appoint the Chief of Staff from among the general and flag officers of the basic services. He shall hold the grade of general (Four-Star) and shall if eligible be retired in such a grade, upon relief from his assignment.
(3) The tour of duty of the Chief of Staff shall not exceed three (3) years. However, in times of war or other national emergency declared by the Congress, the President may extend such tour of duty.