Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Thursday pledged full support to the military and that the soldiers’ sacrifices were not overlooked.
“Your sacrifices have not gone unnoticed, and it is our duty to ensure that you are supported in every possible way,” Romualdez said during the Luzon leg of the House of Representatives-Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) fellowship at Clark Freeport in Angeles City.
AFP officers led by Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., including those from the AFP’s Eastern and Western Mindanao commands, and House members attended the event.
Romualdez said Congress has been “proactive in ensuring that our armed forces are sufficiently equipped to safeguard our nation, while also prioritizing the welfare of both retired and active-duty personnel.”
He said the House has approved several bills that are “a testament to the value and respect we hold for the noble service rendered by our uniformed personnel.”
“Your dedication enables the peace and security that allows our nation to thrive. Rest assured, the House of Representatives, and I personally, are unwavering in our commitment to support and honor the sacrifices of our uniformed personnel. Just as you have steadfastly served our nation, we pledge to steadfastly support you,” the Speaker said.
The leader of the 300-plus-strong House congratulated the military and its officials for winning the “proverbial battle for the hearts and minds of our countrymen is over.”
Based on recent survey results, he said the AFP “has successfully shed its tarnished image of old.”
“In its place is the image of the model soldier, worthy of the highest respect and trust of the Filipino people. This achievement is a product of everyone’s discipline, dedication to duty and sacrifices.
For this, the Armed Forces of the Philippines has my utmost esteem. Congratulations everyone. Do carry on.”
He stressed however, that “the fight for a better Philippines continues.”
“The Armed Forces of the Philippines plays a critical role in this fight, providing the stability the nation needs to sustain its forward momentum,” he added.
Romualdez cited several measures the House has acted upon to address the soldiers’ concerns, including challenges associated with sustaining the military and uniformed personnel (MUP) pension system.
He informed them that in the early days of the 19th Congress in 2022, he filed a bill on MUP pension reform, “with great personal commitment…underscoring the deep respect and concern we hold for our uniformed personnel.”
The bill has successfully passed third and final reading in the House and is currently awaiting Senate concurrence.
House Bill 8969 sets the mandatory retirement age for uniformed personnel at 57. It contains provisions for the automatic indexation of pension and survivorship benefits. These benefits will be adjusted in line with the salaries of active-duty personnel of equivalent rank, subject to specific conditions. Furthermore, the bill ensures the continuation of the one-rank promotion benefit upon retirement.
“Financial sustainability of the pension system is a key focus of the bill, which identifies revenue sources such as the lease, joint development, and disposition of government properties, as well as the income from trust funds created for this purpose,” Romualdez said.
He said the measure aims to establish a reliable financial foundation for the pension funds dedicated to the Armed Forces and other uniformed personnel services.
He said legislative initiatives for the military also include numerous bills that seek to enhance support for uniformed personnel.
He cited the enactment of Republic Act 11939, a law that facilitates the continuous policy development and modernization of the Armed Forces, thereby eliminating the cyclical nature of the promotion system.
He said the House is likewise advancing legislation like House Bill 7793, which proposes an increase in combat duty pay, and House Joint Resolution 19, aimed at raising the subsistence allowance for uniformed personnel.
“Additional legislative efforts are underway to provide uniformed personnel with complimentary legal assistance and to establish high-quality medical clinics in every command and province, furthering our commitment to their well-being,” he said.
The Luzon leg of the HOR-AFP fellowship followed similar events in Visayas and Mindanao.