House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez with Philippine Air Force Commander Lt. General Stephen Parreño executing a hand salute to the honor guards during the arrival honor at the Mactan Air Force Base in Cebu on Thursday, March 30, 2023. (Photo from House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez)
MANILA, Philippines — House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Friday said that the Lower Chamber of Congress is committed to modernizing the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
This comes following ratifying the bicameral conference committee report on the AFP modernization bill. The bill now only awaits the signature of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
READ: Congress ratifies bicam report on bill amending AFP fixed-term law
“The House of Representatives is committed to modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines as it is crucial to our nation’s sovereignty and security,” said Romualdez in a statement.
According to Romualdez, the amended bill would allow the latest technological advances and training to face “continuing threats”, while not expounding on the threats.
He added that the bill also amended the AFP’s leadership terms, allowing a regular leadership turnover.
“Regular turnover can ensure that new ideas and perspectives are constantly being introduced and that there is a healthy culture of competition and meritocracy within the Armed Forces,” said Romualdez.
Some of the term changes included in the bill is that the chief of staff would have a fixed tenure of three years unless the president says otherwise. The Army, Air Force, Navy, and Philippine Military Academy Chiefs would have an even lesser term of two years.
In addition, the AFP’s retirement age would be raised to 57 years old, said Romualdez.
He said to reinforce national well-being and security, the crucial relationship between the legislature and the Armed Forces of the Philippines stands to be bolstered by activities fostering camaraderie and mutual understanding.