AFP chief to troops: No to corruption

Newly-installed Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez, Jr. vowed that anyone who will be tainted with corruption will be relieved of his/her position.

Galvez issued the warning during his first Flag Raising Ceremony as AFP Chief at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Monday, reiterating that the AFP must stay clean.

“The President has zero tolerance for corruption. We will have no fear of relieving people who are mediocre and full of anomalies,” Galvez said.

“We will keep the AFP clean, I will not hesitate to relieve any Commander who will be tainted with corruption,” he added.

Galvez directed the Office of the Inspector General to investigate reported anomalies in the use of resources to ensure judicious use of funds and proper management of government assets.

The new AFP Chief likewise declared to the Officers, Enlisted Personnel (EP), and Civilian Employees (CE) in attendance that while he is strict with erring personnel, he is also keen with giving awards and recognition including cash incentives to deserving personnel.

He promised to provide plaques of recognition and cash incentives starting from 110,000 for top performing Officers, EP, and CEs who will be selected on a quarterly basis. He tasked the Deputy Chief of Staff Personnel, J1 to craft the process and conduct appropriate deliberations.

Meanwhile, Galvez also said that he is committed to promote Officers and Enlisted Personnel who will excel and deliver significant results required of their respective positions.

The AFP Chief also took the occasion to thank GHQ Joint, Personal, and Special Staff for their strong support during the Marawi Crisis. As Commander of the Western Mindanao Command then, he led the troops of various Task Forces in retaking Marawi from terrorists.

“General Headquarters has given us so much support and leverage to fight the war that we have never fought before. The support was evident in the motivation of our troops who, despite being wounded, were eager to continue fighting. That exemplified the support the GHQ has given us. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you (Officers, EP and CE at GHQ) for a job well done,” Galvez said.

He also echoed the order of President Duterte to expedite albeit prudently and deliberately the processing of contracts relating to the AFP Modernization Program.

“The President is pushing us to make our modernization move forward. We need to choose people who can deliver results for our modernization,” Galvez said.