President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. arrives on board the Philippine navy ship BRP Davao del Sur, a Tarlac-class landing platform dock, during the navy’s capability demonstration off Zambales, facing the South China Sea on May 19, 2023. AFP)
MANILA, Philippines —Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Friday assured the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that the House of Representatives would continue to support the modernization program of the military.
Romualdez madethe assurance after accompanying President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in the presentation of the Philippine Navy’s capabilities in San Antonio, Zambales.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to support the continuing modernization program of the AFP, to ensure it has the resources and expertise it needs to protect our people and defend our nation’s territorial integrity and sovereignty,” Romualdez said in a statement.
“The House of Representatives will work closely with the administration of President Marcos to achieve the objectives of the AFP Modernization Program,” he added.
Romualdez also hailed the Philippine Navy for the demonstration of its capabilities.
Marcos and Romualdez witnessed the Navy’s weapons system demonstration, including the BRP Antonio Luna’s bullfighter chaffs, aimed at deflecting the enemy’s anti-ship missile.
The Navy’s anti-submarine helicopter cAW159 also unleashed a dummy torpedo, which plunged into the sea without a target.
“I commend the Philippine Navy for its hard work and dedication. I was also impressed by the professionalism and dedication of the Navy’s personnel, who are clearly committed to protecting our country,” Romualdez said.
“It was a privilege to see firsthand the progress that the Philippine Navy has made, and I am confident that they will continue to be a valuable asset to our nation,” he added.
This is not the first time that Romualdez assured the AFP of support for the modernization, which started in 2013.
Last March 31, Romualdez made the same assurance after the bicameral conference committee finalized a bill that would professionalize the AFP.
Marcos eventually signed the bill into law last Thursday.