By Genalyn Kabiling For President Duterte, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is the best military in the “world” and in the “universe” despite its limited resources. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during the Presidential Security Group (PSG) Change of Command Ceremony at the PSG Compound in Malacañang Park, Manila on May 30, 2018.
(ALBERT ALCAIN/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN) The President has lauded the men and women of the Armed Forces as he offered to give the fleet of presidential aircraft to the military to improve its equipment during the Presidential Security Group (PSG) change of command ceremony at the Malacañang Park in Manila. "Men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the best armed forces in the entire world," the commander-in-chief said at the start of his remarks. The President said the military could have his 14 aircraft, one of which must first undergo an engine change abroad. Duterte said he only needed one helicopter for his travels outside the Palace. "I'm giving it to you. Lahat ng eroplano ko, sabi ko, even the helicopters, ‘yung count na 14. Sabi ko kay (Defense) Secretary (Delfin) Lorenzana, I’m okay. I’m okay with my chopper," he said. When Lorenzana told him that his helicopter was already old, the President directed the defense chief to prioritize the military instead. "Unahin mo na muna ‘yung kailangan ng sundalo. Last na lang ako. Kung may pera pa maiwan, kung wala na… go by for the best armed forces of the world and of the universe," he said. The President earlier allowed the military to use the presidential plane as air ambulance for troops wounded during the battle against terror suspects in Marawi City. He said he didn’t mind giving up the airplane since he was comfortable taking commercial flights or small jets.