Aquino wants modern, bigger AFP; vows better civilian-military ties
President Benigno “P-Noy” S. Aquino III, in his meeting today with the country’s military top brass on his second day in office, said he will make sure that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is modernized, increased in size and harmonized with civilians.
The new Chief Executive, who assumes right away the constitutional responsibility as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, said he wants the new military leadership to be decisive and innovative in driving the reforms in the armed forces to achieve effective and efficient realization of the country’s defense and security thrusts.
The President aired these early policy messages as he installed today Lt. Gen. Ricardo David as AFP Chief of Staff during the formal change-of-command ceremony in
In his message to the military, Aquino said he will ensure that the AFP’s modernization is sustained and made an instrument of AFP stability and strength so that it could serve the people more.
He said he has issued instructions to the new Secretary of National Defense Voltaire Gazmin to focus on the modernization efforts.
But he gave the advise that allocating more resources to the military should be based on the principles of professionalism and utilitarianism.
“Tell us what you need and we will give it to you, as long as they are based on principles of professionalism and utilitarianism; as long as they will benefit the whole institution and not only the interests of a few. If we use and allocate our resources efficiently, we will not only be able to improve the well-being of our armed forces but also that of our citizenry. With a livelier and more responsive economy, we will be able to further address your needs,” the President said.
Along with the modernization, the President added that there will be efforts to expand the AFP, which has not grown in years, even if the country’s population has doubled. AFP is 120,000 strong, with three major services: army, navy and air force. A P50 billion modernization law has been enacted in l995, but the lack of budgetary support and reported misuse of funds have distressed the program.
President Aquino added: “The things I expect of you, and which you can expect of your Commander in Chief, are things necessary to undertake the modernization of our armed forces. If all of us follow the rules, and insist on professionalism, integrity is enhanced. If we undertake our tasks with discipline, we can confront all challenges with the valor the history of our country has proven we all have. If we all work hard, we can find creative solutions to our problems, assured of strategic harmony within the armed forces, and between civilians and the military.
Early in his message, the President reiterated to the military his vow during his inaugural speech Wednesday that he will lead by example and provide the country the right leadership.
“I expect of you professionalism, integrity, discipline, valor, and hard work. You can expect the same of me,” he said, reminding the troops of the principle of civilian authority over the military. He made reference to his appointment of Gazmin, a long retired armed forces general but now a civilian, to the defense post which is a civilian post.
The President also said he believes civilian military cooperation should be in strategic context.
“I say strategic harmony because we must confront the reality that over the past years, strategy took a back seat to tactical considerations. I believe that the military functions best when the civilian and military leadership all share a clear understanding of the national security, and have crafted a clear plan which in turn can properly inform tactical decisions.
The President commended the military for the successful conduct of the first automated national elections last May.
He said he expects the entire Armed Forces to be the vanguard of the government’s quest to reform itself, to clean up its own backyard and serve as a model and inspiration for other government agencies.
“With your long tradition of sustaining the high military ideals of honor and discipline, sacrifice and dedication to serve the people and country, I am certain that the Armed Forces will once again take the lead in delivering our country and our people lasting peace and stability, development and social progress,” the President said.
P-Noy cools heels prior to induction rites
True to his promise that the people are his “bosses,” President Benigno S. Aquino III – even with his busy schedule -- had to wait for his new appointees to arrive at Malacanang’s Rizal Hall this afternoon for their oath-taking.
Save for Senator Teofisto G. Guingona Jr., son of former Senator Teofisto Sr., the appointees came a bit late for the induction,
While waiting for the other inductees, the President took the opportunity to chat with the young Guingona, whose father served as executive secretary of former President Corazon Aquino.
Sen. Guingona said his proposed measures will involve improving the budget and making all items in the budgetary process more transparent, including insertions. “That is what President Noynoy promised to the people and that is what I will pursue,” Guingona said in an interview.
Minutes later, Cristino Naguiat, chairman/CEO of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. came in. He was immediately administered the oath by Pres. Aquino who also obliged for some photo opportunities with Naguiat’s family.
On seeing that the next guests were not yet around, the President entered his office, leaving instruction he be called should Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Kim Jacinto-Henares comes in.
Henares’ father in law, newsman Larry Henares, said the BIR and the Bureau of Customs were tasked with improving the collection efficiency and broadening the tax base by running after tax evaders.
The last inductee was Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office chairman Margarita P. Juico, who was accompanied by husband Phillip. Then, he Juico, former Agrarian Reform Secretary under President Corazon Aquino. Mrs. Juico also served as appointments secretary of President Corazon Aquino.
Mrs. Juico apologized for being a bit late as she was in a meeting. After the generous photo opportunity, she rushed away to continue her meeting and the President left her family and delegation at the Rizal Hall.
