President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. declared that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is now a more modern and professional organization with its continued modernization and amendments to its organic law.

President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. (RTVM screenshot)

Marcos said this after he signed last week Republic Act (RA) No. 11939 which limits the tour of duty of key AFP officials and adjustment the retirement age of officers from 55 to 57.

In a speech in Baguio City, the President said that the government was continuously pursuing efforts to boost the capability of the AFP, and protect the welfare of its members.

"We are relentlessly pursuing the AFP modernization program through important military acquisitions and upgrades. We are also currently undertaking a comprehensive study to improve social protection for our military and uniformed personnel," he said.

According to Marcos, the AFP is now more modern and more professional after he signed the amendments to RA 11709 that aimed to further strengthen the professionalization and merit system of the AFP.

"Because of this, you now join a modern and professional organization, which is now a more effective and even more formidable vehicle for public service and nation-building, a continuing source of pride and self-fulfillment to the individual personnel," he said.

While it might not have answered all the concerns of its members, President Marcos said on Thursday, May 18, that the new AFP law resolved the issue of seniority among the ranks, giving officers an equal opportunity to be promoted to higher positions.

He added that the government was already working on "self-regenerating" pension plans for the country's uniformed personnel.

Marcos was in Baguio City for the Commencement Exercises of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) 'MADASIGON' (Mandirigmang May Dangal Simbolo ng Galing at Pagbangon) Class of 2023.

With his first attendance at the PMA graduation as Commander-in-Chief, President Marcos led the awarding rites to 310 graduating cadets, composed of 238 males and 72 females.