STRONG MILITARY. Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez (3rd from left) salutes Philippine Army troops during his arrival at Camp Evangelista in Cagayan De Oro City on Wednesday (Feb. 7, 2024). Romualdez assured that the House of Representatives is committed to a strong, modern, well-equipped and well-cared for military establishment that would defend the country from internal and external threats. (Photo courtesy of Speaker’s office)
MANILA – The House of Representatives is committed to a “strong, modern, well-equipped” Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that would defend the country from internal and external threats, Speaker Martin Romualdez said on Wednesday.
Romualdez made the assurance during the Mindanao leg of the Armed Forces of the Philippines-House of Representatives fellowship held at the 4th Infantry Division headquarters in Cagayan de Oro City.
“Consistent with the vision of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the House is committed to a strong, modern, well-equipped military establishment,” he told AFP officers led by Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner.
Romualdez noted that Congress has significantly increased the budget for defense for this year to PHP285 billion, which includes the realignment of PHP1.23 billion “for front-liners to maintain a credible posture in defending our rights, particularly in the West Philippine Sea.”
He said the legislature, notably the House, has also reallocated funds, including PHP300 million to the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, PHP100 million to the National Security Council and PHP381.3 million to the Department of Transportation for the expansion of the airport in Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea.
“Our dedication extends beyond financial support. Recognizing the importance of high morale, we passed House Bill 8969, creating a sustainable fiscal framework for military pensions. This, along with various initiatives demonstrates our commitment to enhancing our military's capabilities and welfare,” he said.
He added that by taking these measures, Congress is “ensuring a robust defense posture, bolstering our land, air, and naval forces, and supporting peacekeeping missions.”
“These actions reflect our unwavering commitment to national security, territorial integrity, and the well-being of our soldiers. The true strength of our defense lies not just in our modernized assets but in the valor of our personnel,” Romualdez said.
He likewise pointed out that Congress has also taken steps to improve the lives of soldiers and their families.
Such steps include increasing the soldiers’ base pay, expanding healthcare benefits, and initiating new housing and educational programs, and the approval of the MUP (Military and Uniformed Personnel) Pension System Act, which would ensure the financial stability and well-being of uniformed personnel, he said.
“Our collective efforts symbolize a strong, well-equipped, and cared-for military, ready to uphold our sovereignty with honor and integrity. Let us continue to work together for a free, united, peaceful, and progressive Philippines,” Romualdez said.
Meanwhile, Romualdez commended the military for its “professionalism and dedication” to duty.
“The steadfastness of our uniformed personnel, in protecting our territorial integrity and remaining non-partisan amidst political noise, is truly commendable. Your unwavering duty as sentinels of our sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea and beyond is a stabilizing force for our nation.”
He also thanked Brawner and organizers of the HOR-AFP fellowships, as well as his House colleagues and other military officers for participating in such events.
“Such gatherings are crucial for fostering civility, courtesy, and deeper personal connections, which are essential in understanding each other better,” he said. (PNA)
