PBBM is in control (3)

Kudos to Senator Imee Marcos for her iconic statement: “A true friend is better than a hundred relatives.” One hundred years from now, these words may be read in a book entitled “Famous Quotes from the Greatest Women of Asia.”

Ferdinand Marcos Sr., “in his diaries, had a soft spot for his elder daughter, the child most likely to succeed. On 20 April 1970, a proud father turned up at Assumption to pin a medal on Imee, who won the topmost honors in school… in all her subjects… and her teachers were proud of her.”

A few days after lawmakers rallied behind Speaker Martin Romualdez, Senator Marcos expressed her bold stand on Wednesday, 8 November, that she would stand by former President Rodrigo Duterte even if she’s the only one left.

“I repeat, in 2015, I was the one and only governor who declared support for President Duterte, and even if I shall be alone, I shall continue to support him.”

The senator said she was like her father, the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr, who always stood up for “true friend, through thick and thin.”

Meanwhile, let us have a run at what President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has been doing as commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

He continued his briefings to the Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) of the Philippine Army.

“So, to the men and women of the Special Forces Regiment Airborne, we are grateful to have witnessed the efforts that leverage your expertise and demonstrate the core principles in performing your duties. Your mastery of unconventional warfare strategies becomes all the more relevant and significant given the complex threats our nation now faces,” the President said.

“We assure you of the administration’s unassailable commitment and of your Commander-in-Chief’s support in all of your undertakings to strengthen your capabilities and ensure your welfare and that of your families.”

The next day, he talked to the newly promoted generals and flag officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“It is with great pride and admiration that I congratulate every one of you. Your ascent to this high position is a testament to the capabilities and proof of your mettle in the most perilous yet unparalleled profession.”

He told them that the challenge of nation-building and national security is continuing and fluid.

The hard work will not and must not cease; the nation and citizenry shall exact and expect a heavier responsibility and a more demanding kind of public service — exemplary leadership and a clear vision for the Armed Forces.

He told them that they must lead and mobilize the nation’s new generation of guardians and future leaders and instill in them the virtues of discipline, courage, and patriotic public service that had brought them together.

A high level of security intelligence and analysis will be expected to fully apprise the Commander-in-Chief and strategically guide planning and decision-making.

This is a new era, he said, for the AFP—one that now looks outward while also building on the gains that we have made internally. With the ever-changing dynamics of geopolitics and the global security environment, more challenges will undoubtedly lie ahead.

But aware of these circumstances, the

AFP must always emerge effective, formidable, and responsive to defend and preserve the country’s integrity and interests.

“As your President and Commanderin-Chief, I stand resolutely behind and with the Armed Forces of the Philippines. I will ensure that the strength of the organization and the well-being of all its personnel are attended to.

“May God bestow His blessings and protection upon you, our entire Armed Forces, and our beloved country, the Philippines.”

“A high level of security intelligence and analysis will be expected to fully apprise the Commanderin-Chief and strategically guide planning and all of our decisionmaking.

“The senator said she was like her father, the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., who always stood up for ‘true friend, through thick and thin’.