FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – Continuing its transition to modernization, the Armed Forces of the Philippines has launched its own governance watchdog to have better transparency in their ranks.
AFP officially announced the formation of its Multi-Sector Governance Council (MSGC) composed of representatives from sectors such as business, law, education, diplomacy and commerce.
Doctor Jesus Estanislao, a former Finance Secretary, would chair the watchdog, which has 14 members in its ranks.
“We civilians and military officers are alike, because we have a shared commitment,” Estanislao said Thursday morning.
He said that his group and the AFP are “deeply committed” for the transportation and modernization of the AFP that would end in 2028.
Estanislao, though, expects that the AFP would have better equipment and would become a “source of national pride” in 2016.
“Together with the people, we are in our way to accomplish peace,” Estanislao said.
Better than ever
With the creation of the MSGC, AFP Chief of Staff General Emmanuel Bautista said that he expects the AFP to be better and that the men and women of the military would have a sense of responsibility on what to do next.
He said that by 2016, the AFP is already a “capable” armed forces.
“We want, as our mandate as the protector of the people, what we intend to do on the transportation is to be world-class and for the Filipino people to be proud also.”
The 14-member MSGC is composed of Estanislao, former ambassador Lauro Baja, Bai Rohaniza Sumnda-Usman, founder of Teach Peace, Build Peace, Cong. Mel Sarmiento, University of the Philippines President Alfredo Pascual, economist Solita Collas-Monsod, Francis Estrada, founder of General Partner of Equity Managers Asia, Cesar Bautista, former secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry, Secretary Jose Albert of the National Statistics Coordination Board, Avelino Cruz Jr., Chief Presidential Legal Counsel from 2000 to 2004, Fr. Jose Cruz SJ, Vice President for University and Global Relations of Ateneo, Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, Regina Lopez of ABS-CBN Foundation and Professor Jennifer Oreta of Ateneo de Manila University.
REALTED STORIES
6 AFP modernization projects completed under Aquino, says