The Philippine Air Force (PAF) said it was reviewing its rules on the conferment of military awards and the wearing of honorary badges and insignia by reservists following questions raised over the decorations worn by a former lawmaker turned military reservist.

PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Christina Basco said the review was being undertaken by the Air Force’s Reserve Command in response to public concerns on what she described as alleged “stolen valor” surrounding the military service and recognitions of former 1-Pacman Partylist Rep. and PAF reservist Michael “Mikee” Odylon L. Romero.

“The Philippine Air Force (PAF) acknowledges the public interest regarding the military service and recognitions of Brigadier General Michael ‘Mikee’ Odylon L. Romero PAF (Res),” Basco said.

She said the service’s official records reflect the military status, assignments, and recognitions of its personnel.

“In response to the concerns raised, the Reserve Command, PAF is reviewing existing policies on the conferment of awards and the authorization to wear honorary badges and insignia by reservists,” Basco said.

The review came after a photo of Romero with newly promoted Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Antonio Nafarrete during the Commission on Appointments’ (CA) confirmation hearing last Aug. 13 drew attention online.

The photo went viral because Romero, who was among those confirmed as a PAF reserve brigadier general, was wearing his reservist uniform adorned supposedly with more medals than those on the uniform of Nafarrete, drawing criticism from netizens.

Particular attention was drawn to a Gold Cross and several Military Merit Medals with spearhead devices, which are associated with acts of gallantry in combat.

The PAF, however, did not accuse Romero of falsely claiming any award. Instead, it said the military service is checking its policies and documentation requirements.

“All awards and badges worn on the military uniform must be supported by appropriate General Orders or official documentation specifying the nature and basis of the individual's contribution or service,” Basco said.

Retired military officials have said the issue matters because major military decorations are not supposed to be given without a formal process.

Lawyer Edgard Arevalo, a retired military public affairs chief, explained in a newspaper column that recommendations for awards begin with a written description of the deeds being considered. The document must be certified and signed by the commanding officer before it goes through deliberations by the appropriate Awards and Decorations Boards.

For higher-level combat awards, the requirements become more stringent, he said, and these may include affidavits from personnel who witnessed the act and a sketch of the site of the armed encounter.

Arevalo said badges are treated differently from medals because commanders, subject to approval by the appropriate boards, have greater discretion in awarding them. These may recognize a person for supporting a unit, advancing its mission or meeting other prescribed criteria, he added.

However, Romero’s supporters have cited his contributions to the PAF, specifically the service’s modernization program, including support for the acquisition of three C-130J aircraft. He is also chairman of the Association of Reservists and Reservists Administrators of the Philippines Inc. and has been credited with supporting efforts to strengthen the reservist force.

“The Reserve Command, PAF, in coordination with the other Major Services of the AFP, will review and strengthen existing policies to ensure proper documentation, adherence to established protocols, and the integrity of the military awards and recognition system,” Basco said.

Arevalo, on the other hand, called for a review of AFP Regulations G-131-054, or the AFP Awards and Decorations Manual, which was last updated in 2014.

He said awards boards must be more careful in evaluating recommendations because military decorations carry a high level of prestige among service members.