President Marcos urged the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to remain faithful to their sworn duties as he reminded them that the stars conferred upon them are reminders of their heavier responsibility to the country and the people.

Marcos said this as he led the oath-taking of 39 top AFP officials on Monday, May 13.

In his speech, the President reminded the AFP officials that Filipinos depend on them to serve and protect the people and the country.

"Malaki ang inyong katungkulan na [gagampanan] pa. Mabigat pa ang mga gawaing naghihintay sa inyo. Marami pa tayong misyon na haharapin (You have a big responsibility to fulfill. We still have many missions to face)," he said.

"Malaki ang inaasahan sa inyo ng sambayanan na ating pinaglilingkuran at ng Republika na ating pinagtatanggol at minamahal (The people we serve and the Republic that we love and fight for expect a lot from you)," he added.

"Huwag natin silang biguin. Iyan ang kapalit ng bago ninyong ranggo (Let us not fail the people. That's the price of your ranks)," he continued.

Of the 39 newly promoted military officers, 20 of them are from the Philippine Army (PA); nine from the Philippine Navy (PN); nine from the Philippine Air Force (PAF); and one from the Chaplain Service (CHS).

Marcos hoped that the added stars on their shoulders inspired them to perform their duties with utmost dedication, professionalism, and integrity.

"I know that until the last hour of your last day in office, you will do your work that honors our oath, respects our uniform, earns the admiration of our peers, and affirms the prestige that you have earned through a lifetime of service," he said.

"That you will uphold the principles that made you patriots, professionals, always compliant with command, faithful to our Constitution, loyal to our country, and mindful of our conscience," he added.

Meanwhile, President Marcos congratulated the newly promoted AFP officials and told them their promotion was a recognition built on merit. He added that they have "much still left to do."

"The more stars there are, the heavier the responsibility. Be mindful always of the weight that that carries. After all, the load that you feel is, in fact, our people’s hopes," he said.

"Especially now that we are at the juncture of our history where our nation faces complex security challenges. The response to which requires bold thinking, brave action, which, I know, you can supply in abundant amounts, as befits your rank, and you can summon from your previous experience," he added.