Speaker Romualdez guarantees support for AFP modernization program
The House of Representatives will continue to back the Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) modernization program.
House Speaker Martin Romualdez gave this assurance during the HOR-AFP fellowship series (Visayas leg) in Cebu City, which was also attended by other House members and high-ranking military officers led by Chief of Staff Gen. Andres Centino.
“The House of Representatives is committed to modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines as it is crucial to our nation’s sovereignty and security,” Romualdez told his military audience on Thursday night, March 30.
“Our military should be equipped with the latest technological advances and training to respond to the continuing threats that we face,” added the Leyte 1st district congressman, who arguably President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s top ally in the legislature.
The House possesses the power of the purse, or the discretion to allocate funds for government expenditures.
In his remarks, the Speaker stressed the role of the AFP in attaining national peace, stability, and prosperity.
“As we all know, peace and stability are crucial to the prosperity of any nation. Without it, social, economic, and political development cannot flourish. And while many factors contribute to peace and stability, a well-functioning and professional Armed Forces is undoubtedly one of the most critical components,” he said.
Romualdez also underscored the importance of lawmakers and military and defense establishment leaders getting together to promote closer cooperation among them.
“The relationship between the legislature and the Armed Forces of the Philippines is essential to the well-being and security of our nation. In order to strengthen this bond, it is important to engage in activities that promote camaraderie and mutual understanding,” he explained.
“By spending time together in these settings, we can build trust, foster understanding and ultimately work together more effectively to serve our nation and its people,” he further said.
Romualdez is President Marcos' cousin.
The Cebu City get-together was a follow up to the HOR-AFP fellowship-Luzon leg held last December.