Edgardo Rene Samonte is a retired Major General of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) who currently serves as the Sergeant-at-Arms of the Philippine Senate. He was appointed to the position in February 2026, succeeding Mao Aplasca. A distinguished military officer, Samonte is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Dimalupig” Class of 1981. His career in the armed forces is marked by high-level leadership roles, including serving as the commander of the 15th Strike Wing from 2011 to 2012 and later as the commander of the Air Education and Training Command (AETC) based at Fernando Air Base in Lipa City.
Beyond his tactical and educational leadership in the Air Force, Samonte has held significant administrative and corporate roles following his military retirement. He served as the Chairman of the Board for AFP General Insurance Corporation (AFPGEN), where he was responsible for overseeing corporate governance and strategic direction. His transition into the legislative branch as the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms places him in charge of maintaining order and security within the Senate premises, a role that leverages his extensive background in military discipline and aviation security.
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