Benjamin Defensor Jr.


Benjamin Palma Defensor Jr., is a retired Philippine Air Force General who served as 31st Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines for 69 days, the shortest stint of a Chief of Staff. He succeeded General Roy Cimatu of the Philippine Army on September 12, 2002, until his mandatory retirement at the age of 56 on November 28, 2002. He is the fourth Chief of Staff coming from the Air Force which he was the commanding general from 2000 – September 2002.

Early years

Defensor was born in Iloilo City, Iloilo, Philippines on September 12, 1946, to parents Benjamin Defensor Sr. a local judge and Dimpna Palma a college dean. He is the second eldest among the seven siblings which include his famous elder sister and late Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago. He entered Philippine Military Academy and graduated in 1969.

See also