Military Ordinariate of The Philippines - Chaplains

Chaplains

Priests who wish join the Chaplain Services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and the Philippine Coast Guard are required to satisfy the ordinary requirements of both the Church and of the service branch they are entering. The endorsement of the Military Ordinary is among the most important of the ecclesiastical requirements; the Ordinary submits the names of priests for a "call to active duty" (CAD). He gives to Chaplains and civilian priests working for the services the canonical faculties to exercise their spiritual ministry among subjects of the Military Ordinariate.

Chaplains in active duty are given the initial rank of Captain or its equivalent in other branches of the services. They enjoy the progatives and privileges of the rest of the officers belonging to the same grade or rank in the service.

Chaplains in active service who are not incardinated into the Military Ordinariate may be subject to recall by the Bishop of their respective diocese of origin, even without cause. On the other hand, the Ordinary may also withdraw his endorsement for cause. The chaplain whose endorsement has thus been withdrawn is to report to their Diocesan Bishop or Religious Superior as soon as possible. Chaplains whose tour of active service is terminated are to return to their respective dioceses or religious orders, or as otherwise advised or directed by their original Bishop or Superior.