Photo credit: Congress PH

It was a productive Tuesday for Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez as he hosted 17 newly-promoted generals and senior flag officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at his office in the House of Representatives. This courtesy call was more than just a meet-and-greet—it became a venue to reaffirm Congress' commitment to supporting the AFP under President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.'s administration.

The meeting, facilitated by Camiguin Rep. Jurdin Jesus “JJ” Romualdo, brought together the country's top-ranking military officials to discuss pressing issues and priorities. Speaker Romualdez did not hold back in expressing his steadfast support for the men and women in uniform, emphasizing the importance of equipping the AFP with the resources needed to ensure national security and peace.

Prioritizing Soldiers’ Welfare

One of the meeting's highlights was the Speaker’s assurance of increased support for the AFP, including a proposal for an additional P350 daily subsistence allowance for soldiers.

“Our soldiers are the backbone of our nation’s security and defense. We must ensure they have the resources they need to serve with honor and dedication,” said Speaker Romualdez.

This commitment aligns with the Marcos administration’s broader goal of improving the welfare of uniformed personnel. The Speaker also underscored the need to fast-track programs that boost soldiers' morale, especially those stationed in remote or high-risk areas.

AFP Leadership Grateful

Lt. Gen. Jimmy D. Larida, Commander of the Southern Luzon Command (SolCom), spoke on behalf of the delegation and expressed their heartfelt gratitude:

“We are very happy na binigyan kami ng time ng ating honorable congressmen led by the Speaker of the House, Congressman Martin Romualdez. We are delighted that he spent precious time for us to meet the newly-promoted generals and flag ranks of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.”

Larida emphasized how meaningful the Speaker’s assurance was, particularly in securing the additional allowance and supporting the AFP's modernization efforts.

Keeping the AFP Ready and Resilient

In addition to financial support, the Speaker and the generals discussed operational priorities, including disaster response, counter-insurgency efforts, and reintegration programs like the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) for former rebels. These initiatives reflect the AFP's evolving role beyond traditional military operations.

A United Front

Before concluding the meeting, Speaker Romualdez reiterated Congress' role in backing the AFP's mission. “The House of Representatives will continue to work closely with the AFP leadership to address pressing concerns, including adequate funding for operations, modernization efforts, and the welfare of our men and women in uniform,” he assured.

Joining him in this commitment were House Majority Leader Mannix Dalipe, Deputy Speaker Jay-Jay Suarez, and other key lawmakers.

With Congress and the AFP united in their goals, it’s clear that the welfare of soldiers and the nation's security remain top priorities. As the Speaker put it, "Our soldiers deserve nothing less than our full support."