Speaker: AFP vows commitment to Constitution, support for Marcos
MANILA, Philippines — Officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines have reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the 1987 Constitution while supporting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration, House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said on Wednesday.
A statement from the Office of the Speaker relayed the assurances from AFP Deputy Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Jimmy D. Larida and AFP Intelligence Command commander Lt. Gen. Ferdinand Barandon, which happened during the military officials’ courtesy call to Romualdez and other lawmakers on Tuesday.
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“We commit to the Constitution and the duly-constituted authorities. We will watch your back,” Larida said.
“The Armed Forces will remain professional, mission-focused, and always supportive of duly-constituted government,” Barandon added.
READ: AFP assured: House to increase subsistence allowance to P350
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Article continues after this advertisementRomualdez in response meanwhile assured the AFP officials that the House will continue to support programs, including the increase in the soldiers’ daily subsistence allowance—from P150 to P350.
According to the Speaker, this is included in the 2025 national budget approved by the House.
“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,” Romualdez said.
“Kung susuportahan po ng Senado ang ating panukala at madagdagan pa ang pondo, mas maganda para sa kapakanan ng ating mga sundalo,” he added. “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.”
On Tuesday, Romualdez and members of the House leadership met with at least 17 star officials of the AFP and newly promoted flag officers—assuring the officials that the House will continue to coordinate with the military organizations to address issues that may be raised.
“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,” Speaker Romualdez said.
“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,” he added.
Larida said they were happy that Romualdez and the lawmakers set aside “a precious time for us to meet the newly-promoted generals and flag ranks”, while also discussing measures that support the military.
Aside from Larida, the following AFP officials were present:
- Lt. Gen. Augustine S. Malinit, Inspector General of the AFP
- Rear Adm. Jose Ma. Ambrosio E. Ezpeleta, newly installed Philippine Navy chief
- Rear Adm. Alan M. Javier, chief of naval staff
- Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel G. Orio, new 8th Infantry (Storm Troopers) Division Chief.
Romualdez meanwhile was joined by Deputy Speaker David Suarez, Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe, Senior Deputy Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander A. Marcos, Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel, Cavite Rep. Lani Mercado Revilla, 1-Pacman Party-list Rep. Mikee Romero, Pangasinan Rep. Ramon Guico Jr., and other lawmakers.
