Senior officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reaffirmed their loyalty to the Constitution and the duly-constituted government of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. during a courtesy call on Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez at the House of Representatives late Tuesday afternoon.
“We commit to the Constitution and the duly-constituted authorities. We will watch your back,” said AFP Deputy Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Jimmy D. Larida, assuring Speaker Romualdez of the military’s dedication to its constitutional mandate, a press release from the House of Representatives said.
Lt. Gen. Ferdinand Barandon, commander of the Armed Forces Intelligence Command, echoed this commitment, as he emphasized the military’s professionalism and support for government institutions.
The meeting, which included 17 newly promoted generals and senior flag officers, centered on the government’s support for the military through increased funding and welfare programs.
Romualdez pledged full support for the AFP’s modernization efforts and reaffirmed his earlier proposal to provide a daily subsistence allowance of at least P350 for soldiers. This initiative was an offshoot of the directive from President Marcos’ vision of improving the lives of uniformed personnel.
The leader of the 300-plus-strong legislative chamber also called for the swift implementation of programs to boost the morale of soldiers, particularly those in remote and high-risk areas.
The AFP delegation expressed gratitude to the Speaker for his commitment, describing his reassurances as vital to troop morale and reaffirming their loyalty to the Constitution and the government.
Several House leaders, including Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” Dalipe of Zamboanga City, Deputy Speaker David “Jay-Jay” Suarez, and Senior Deputy Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander Marcos joined the meeting.
They pledged to support legislative measures that enhance the military’s operational readiness and welfare programs.*
