PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte is well aware of the weaknesses plaguing the Armed Forces of the Philippines and he is now taking steps to address this deficiencies.
This was stressed by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana during Monday’s turn over ceremonies for the Air Force’s fifth Lockheed C-130 Lockheed “Hercules” cargo aircraft.
“President Dutete has understood our defense and military establishment so well. He knows the capability and the needs of our Armed Forces, and he has been well informed of the real state of our old and obsolete military assets, in land, at sea, and on air.
“He is well aware of the needs of our soldiers, from their individual basic armaments and equipment, to the enhancement of their morale, welfare and well-being,” he added.
Lorenzana said the Chief Executive has readily committed to address these requirements to the maximum limits as allowed by the country’s financial resources.
“In return, he does not ask so much from our Armed Forces. All that he requires from our officers, and men and women in uniform is your devotion to your sworn duties as protectors of the Filipino people and the State,” he stressed.
All President Duterte wants from the military is that remain loyal to the Constitution.
“He summons your patriotism and moral courage to assist him in our national war against illegal drugs, in cleansing our public service of corruption and malpractices in various forms, and in fighting against criminality and lawlessness, especially the threats of international terroristic violence posed by the ISIS elements,” the DND chief said.
In short, Lorenzana said the Chief Executive wants all AFP officers and enlisted personnel to join him in the national goal of restoring the citizenry’s faith and trust in government, and to make the people’s lives better, safer and healthier.
“These are legitimate challenges to the AFP by no less than the President and Commander-in-Chief. But I am confident that you will prevail over these challenges. for, after all, we believe in the truism that all legal orders are obeyed in the military service,” he added.