'Our nation's shield': Romualdez hails marines' reconnaissance group on anniversary
At A Glance
- House Speaker Martin Romualdez has commended members of the Philippine Marine Corps' Force Reconnaissance Group for giving Filipinos peace and security.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez (Speaker’s office)
House Speaker Martin Romualdez has commended members of the Philippine Marine Corps’ Force Reconnaissance Group for giving Filipinos peace and security.
Romualdez did so on the occasion of the reconnaissance group's 51st founding anniversary Wednesday, Aug. 23. He attended the commemoration rites held at Camp Gregorio Lim in Ternate, Cavite and delivered a speech.
“You have embodied the very spirit of dedication, skill, and unwavering commitment. It is not an exaggeration to say that the peace and security we enjoy today is largely due to your tireless efforts,” Romualdez, leader of the 311-strong House of Representatives, told the soldiers.
The Leyte 1st district congressman also hailed them for their “relentless pursuit of excellence, your mastery of both land and sea, and your commitment to preserving the core values of honor, duty, and loyalty set you apart".
“In this rapidly changing global landscape, where new threats emerge as swiftly as the old ones fade, it is units like the Force Reconnaissance Group that stand as our nation's shield,” added Romualdez.
The president of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) party at the same time paid homage to their noble and valiant marines who laid down their lives in order to achieve peace in the entire country.
“We remember those who have paid the ultimate price, those whose stories of bravery and sacrifice inspire countless others to serve with honor. Their memories remind us that freedom is not free,” the Speaker said.
“It comes at a cost, and that cost is borne by the gallant men and women of our armed forces," he said.
Meanwhile, Romualdez shared good news to the soldiers as he said that Congress has been working to fix the problems besetting the pension system for the military and uniformed personnel (MUP).
“I am proud to announce that the efforts of the House Ad Hoc Committee on the MUP Pension System have borne fruit,” he told the marines, adding they can now sleep soundly at night knowing that pensions are fully funded and that the accompanying salary hikes are guaranteed yearly.
The ad hoc panel chaired by Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda recently approved a substitute bill on the proposed MUP pension system reform.