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'My bad': Lacson says he missed Romero's medal ribbons in CA hearing
'My bad': Lacson says he missed Romero's medal ribbons in CA hearing
By Dhel Nazario
Lacson said he only realized the need to seek clarification after questions were raised over the number of ribbons and medals worn by Romero, who holds the rank of brigadier general in the Philippine Air Force (PAF) Reserve.
"My bad. Being a member of the Commission on Appointments, I failed to notice and seek clarification on ex-Cong Romero’s ribbons pinned on his military uniform during his confirmation along with 37 others last week," he said.
The controversy surfaced after a photo of Romero in a PAF uniform standing beside AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Antonio Nafarrete circulated online. Some active and retired military personnel questioned the number of decorations displayed on Romero's uniform, leading to accusations of "stolen valor," which Romero denied.
Lacson, who previously served in the Philippine Constabulary, said the controversy underscores the need to ensure that military decorations are properly awarded and supported by documentation.
"Behind every ribbon pinned on a soldier’s uniform represents a medal. Every medal has a unique story about heroism, valor, courage and bravery, or an outstanding feat even outside the combat zone," Lacson said in a post on X.
The Philippine Air Force Reserve Command has since said it would review and strengthen its policies on the conferment of awards and honorary badges to reservists. It also plans to coordinate with the other major services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to ensure proper documentation and compliance with established protocols.
Lacson also drew attention to the Gold Cross Medal, which he said is the fourth-highest military award after the Medal of Valor, Distinguished Conduct Star, and Distinguished Service Medal, or its equivalent, the Outstanding Achievement Medal.
He said the Gold Cross is rarely awarded because it recognizes gallantry in action, courage, and bravery involving a risk to life and exceptional courage in the face of enemy forces.
Lacson noted that despite his 20 years in the former Philippine Constabulary and 10 years in the Philippine National Police, he was never in a position to be recommended for the Gold Cross.
His decorations include one Outstanding Achievement Medal and one PNP-equivalent award, five Bronze Cross Medals and several PNP-equivalent medals, as well as 17 Military Merit Medals.
"If ex-Cong Romero rightly deserves the Gold Cross Medal, he should keep it. If not, the AFP has a lot of explaining to do, especially to its personnel who think they also deserve the medal but for some reason, failed to get it," he said.