AFP OFFICIALS REAFFIRM LOYALTY TO CONSTITUTION, MARCOS ADMINISTRATION

SENIOR officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reaffirmed their loyalty to the Constitution and the duly-constituted government of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. during a courtesy call on Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez at the House of Representatives late Tuesday afternoon.

“We commit to the Constitution and the duly-constituted authorities. We will watch your back,” said AFP deputy chief of staff Lt. Gen. Jimmy D. Larida, assuring Speaker Romualdez of the military’s dedication to its constitutional mandate.

Lt. Gen. Ferdinand Barandon, commander of the Armed Forces Intelligence Command, echoed this commitment, as he emphasized the military’s professionalism and support for government institutions.

“The Armed Forces will remain professional, mission-focused, and always supportive of duly-constituted government,” Barandon said.

The meeting, which included 17 newly-promoted generals and senior flag officers, centered on the government’s support for the military through increased funding and welfare programs.

Speaker Romualdez pledged full support for the AFP’s modernization efforts and reaffirmed his earlier proposal to provide a daily subsistence allowance of at least P350 for soldiers.

This initiative was an offshoot of the directive from President Marcos’ vision of improving the lives of uniformed personnel.

“Sa bersyon ng 2025 national budget ng Kongreso, naglaan tayo ng pondo para sa P350 daily subsistence allowance na ating isinulong alinsunod sa kautusan ni Pangulong Marcos upang matulungan ang ating mga sundalo,” said Speaker Romualdez.

“Kung susuportahan po ng Senado ang ating panukala at madagdagan pa ang pondo, mas maganda para sa kapakanan ng ating mga sundalo,” Speaker Romualdez stressed.

“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,” the Speaker said.

The leader of the 300-plus-strong legislative chamber also called for the swift implementation of programs to boost the morale of soldiers, particularly those in remote and high-risk areas.

The AFP delegation expressed gratitude to the Speaker for his commitment, describing his reassurances as vital to troop morale and reaffirming their loyalty to the Constitution and the government.

Several House leaders, including Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” M. Dalipe of Zamboanga City, Deputy Speaker David “Jay-Jay” Suarez and Senior Deputy Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander A. Marcos, joined the meeting.

They pledged to support legislative measures that enhance the military’s operational readiness and welfare programs.

The meeting concluded with Speaker Romualdez highlighting the importance of unity in addressing the AFP’s needs to effectively fulfill its mandate.

“The House of Representatives will continue to work closely with the AFP leadership to address pressing concerns, including adequate funding for operations, modernization efforts, and the welfare of our men and women in uniform,” Speaker Romualdez said.