By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Denying rumors circulating in social media that PMA (Philippine Military Academy) alumni and other groups of AFP retirees were linked to destabilization moves against the Marcos administration, four major organizations of retired military generals met with presidential cousin Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Monday (22 Jan 2024) and reaffirmed their support for the incumbent Commander-in-Chief.
The meeting with Romualdez was facilitated by the Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association Inc. (PMAAAI), Association of Generals and Flag Officers (AGFO), Philippine Military Academy Retired Alumni Association (PMARAA), and National ROTC Alumni Association, Inc. (NARAAI).
“We are all here today, united, to air our support to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. his administration, and the leadership of the House of Representatives and the Senate,” said retired Admiral Danilo Abinoja, chairman and CEO of PMAAAI.
He told Romualdez that the PMA is not the only military school in full support of the Marcos Jr. administration; but also all the schools producing servicemen for the Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard.
“We continue to abide by and vow to defend the Constitution and the duly constituted authorities. That is our oath, then and until now,” Abinoja stressed.
For his part, retired Maj. Gen. Marlou Salazar, Vice President of NARRAI, said their group is also against any attempt to destabilize the Marcos administration stressing that stability is the key to peace and progress.
“Ayaw naming magkagulo. A kingdom should not be divided if we want it to succeed,” Salazar emphasized.
Retired Gen. Raul Gonzales, chairman of PMARAAI, said their group is also not in favor of undermining the stability of government.
“We support the sentiments of the PMA alumni here today and we are duty-bound to defend the Constitution even now that we are out of service. Some have different beliefs, but the general membership is united in defending this government,” Gonzales said.
Retired Gen. Gerry Doria, Vice Chairman of AGFO, also reaffirmed their group’s support to the PBBM administration, saying their members are united behind duly constituted authorities all the time.
The Association of Service Academies of the Philippines will also issue a manifesto of support to Marcos and his administration.
Romualdez thanked the retired generals for meeting with him and reaffirming their support for his cousin President Marcos Jr.
“We, in the House of Representatives, are happy to receive you here and listen to you. Words are not enough to express our gratitude to all of you. We are always sensitive, responsive, and reflective of what you have to say even after you leave the service,” Romualdez stressed.
(el Amigo/MNM)