By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez reaffirmed the House of Representatives’ commitment to supporting the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) during a courtesy call by 17 generals and senior flag officers at the Speaker’s Office on Tuesday afternoon, December 3, 2024.
The visit, facilitated by Camiguin Rep. Jurdin Jesus “JJ” Romualdo, included top-ranking AFP officials who discussed the military’s priorities and challenges with the Speaker.
Romualdez underscored the importance of ensuring adequate resources for the AFP to safeguard national security and maintain peace and order. He emphasized the Marcos administration’s dedication to improving soldiers’ welfare, including a proposal for an additional ₱350 daily subsistence allowance for military personnel.
“Our soldiers are the backbone of our nation’s security and defense. We must ensure they have the resources they need to serve with honor and dedication,” Romualdez said.
He further assured the delegation of the House’s support for the AFP’s modernization program, operational funding, and other welfare initiatives.
The AFP delegation expressed gratitude for the Speaker’s commitment.
“We are very happy na binigyan kami ng time ng ating honorable congressmen led by the Speaker of the House, Congressman Martin Romualdez,” said Lt. Gen. Jimmy D. Larida, Commander of the Southern Luzon Command (SolCom).
He added, “On behalf of our Chief of Staff, Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr., and the entire grateful members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, we are very, very thankful sa confirmation na ibinigay po sa atin ng Speaker ng House, that they will provide the promised increase of our subsistence allowance.”
Lt. Gen. Larida also noted the Speaker’s commitment to advancing the AFP’s modernization program and maintaining loyalty to the Constitution.
The delegation included Lt. Gen. Augustine S. Malinit, Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force (PAF); Rear Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio E. Ezpeleta, Vice Commander of the Philippine Navy; Rear Admiral Alan M. Javier, General Naval Inspector of the Philippine Navy; and Major Gen. Adonis Ariel G. Orio, Chief of Staff of the Philippine Army (PA), among others.
House leaders who attended the meeting included Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” M. Dalipe, Deputy Speaker David “Jay-Jay” Suarez, Senior Deputy Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander A. Marcos, and Reps. Johnny Pimentel, Lani Mercado Revilla, Mikee Romero, and Ramon Guico Jr.
Romualdez also stressed the urgency of implementing programs to uplift soldiers’ morale, particularly for those deployed in remote and high-risk areas. He assured the officers that the proposed 2025 budget includes provisions addressing these needs.
The AFP officials provided updates on operational priorities, including disaster response, counter-insurgency efforts, and the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) to aid former rebels in reintegrating into society.
The meeting concluded with Speaker Romualdez reaffirming his full support for the AFP and calling on Congress to work together to ensure the military’s success in its mission for the nation.
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