Galvez: AFP ‘Rumblings’ over RA 11709
If there’s one thing that makes personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines grumble, that would be the issues surrounding Republic Act 11709, Department of National Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said Friday.
Galvez said the DND and the AFP had proposed amendments to the law, also known as an Act Strengthening Professionalism in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, to further enhance the “professionalism and efficiency of the military organization.”
“The issues surrounding the law are being threshed out collaboratively between the DND and the AFP,” he added.
Galvez clarified that his description of “rumblings” in the AFP must refer to the sulking (tampo in the vernacular) of its personnel over the issue of delayed promotions affected by some provisions of RA 11709.
“We are listening to the concerns of our men and women in the AFP, who are understandably anxious over the perceived uncertainty in their careers under the new law,” he said.
The DND Chief vowed to continue to pursue policies that would further enhance the “welfare, morale, professionalism, efficiency and effectiveness” of the country’s armed forces.
Despite concerns over
RA 11709, the AFP remains faithful to our Constitution, people, and the flag and our officers and men are continuing to fulfill their mandate of protecting our nation,” he said.
Maintaining integrity
Meanwhile, Galvez urged the military personnel to maintain the integrity of the AFP and keep the military organization clean.
Galvez, a former AFP Chief of Staff, emphasized the importance of sustaining the morale and welfare of every employee and member of the DND and the AFP so “they can better serve” the people.
The DND, he added, will prioritize the “solid and harmonious coordination” of the department with the AFP.
Hence, Galvez reminded the commanders and the soldiers to “take care of our people, take care of our resources, and take care of our organization” amid the incidence of “rumblings” in the past days.
“Huwag na kayong mangamba, inirekomenda ng DND at AFP na ang promotion system at retirement ng mga enlisted personnel ay hindi na sasailalim sa RA 11709 (Don’t worry, the DND and the AFP already recommended the exclusion of the promotion and retirememt system for enlisted personnel under RA 11709),” Galvez told the soldiers as he visited Philippine Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City last Wednesday.