COMMANDING GENERAL
P H I L I P P I N E A R M Y
Fort Andres Bonifacio, Metro Manila
Message
I
assume at a time when our nation's economic development is on an upward
swing, all for the betterment of the Filipino people. However, it is
challenged with a formidable obstacle that intends to demolish the
aspirations of peace-loving Filipinos. The looming threats posed by the
CPP/NPA/NDF, the terrorists, and the secessionist movement in the
Southern Philippines are real and continue to be an impediment to the
full realization of our economic goals. A tremendous responsibility lies
on the shoulders of the Philippine Army, as the premier service branch
of the Armed Forces, to be at the forefront in the nation’s fight
against all threats to our security and well-being. The multi-role army
soldier continues to perform the mandate of being a defender; a builder;
an educator; a health and social worker; and many others. It is for this
reason that I consider the individual soldier as the institution’s
premier resource, and his development and well-being must be ensured in
order fro him to perform the task. After all, it has often been said
that it is "MEN WHO WINS WARS, NOT MACHINES".
My administration of the Army shall focus on individual and unit roles
with the mission of the institution as the centerpiece. As TEAM ARMY,
its personnel, with me as team captain, must jell and be able to develop
into a potent force capable of performing as war fighter and
nation-builder in varying capacities. We shall develop our strengths,
address our weaknesses and correct our deficiencies in order to
complement one another. This objective of developing the Army must
likewise be infused with capabilities of being inter-operable with other
service branches in order to achieve jointness. Being parochial at this
time and age is detrimental to the development of the Armed Forces as a
force. A responsible recruitment system for both officers and enlisted
personnel shall jumpstart the Army’s thrusts in the internal
consolidation reforms initiated by my esteemed predecessors. We must
realize that the quality of the force that we have today largely depends
on the quality of raw materials we take during recruitment.
Vital to force development is the aggressive pursuit of a capability
upgrade program, both for human resource growth through academic and
skills development, and equipage to provide the soldier the wherewithal
to accomplish his task. A continuing program should address not only
mid-term needs of the force, but also its long-term requirements and
amendments should be more of the exception rather than the rule to
ensure continuity. Internal consolidation of the Army will include
addressing the concerns not only of the AFP but of the entire government
to cleanse the military institution of the persistent issues of
corruption.
We in the Army will vigorously support this campaign with effective
resource and fund management at all levels of command. Transactions will
be transparent, the Internal Audit System will be continuously
strengthened, and the accountability of fund and resource managers being
practiced today will be strongly carried out. We must all realize that
we are a developing nation and every pesos spent must count.
The Army will dynamically continue reforms aimed towards improving the
leadership of our units at various echelons of command. The stringent
selection process for commanders being practiced today will continue and
be further improved if needed. Merit will be the key determinant in the
selection of commanders and the criteria set will be non-negotiable. In
addition to standards set, I intend to strictly impose standards of
physical fitness for our commanders, since I am of strong belief that a
healthy body equates to a sound mind. I believe that our commanders must
be with the men in the field, sharing their difficulties and closely
supervising their actions. Good leaders do what they preach, and we
shall "walk the talk". Good leadership and commandership will also
require a high level of moral and ethical standards that our men will
emulate. This will inspire our men, make the take the extra step and
walk the extra mile, all for the accomplishment of their mission. It
will provide a moral high ground for the institution to be able to
defeat its enemies. Principled leadership is therefore required of all
Army leaders. I know this will entail a lot of sacrifices. But there is
no other way.
Ladies and gentlemen , the tasks at hand are great but it is not
insurmountable. As I see the Army troops in front of us today and
thinking of the thousand others in the frontlines, I am filled with the
inspiration of being given the opportunity to lead great men and women
of character and conviction who are bestowed the responsibility of
making sure that our republic remains to be strong.
I urge all stakeholders to help me build an Army worthy of our
countrymen's trust. With a supportive citizenry, your Army vows a
service beyond the call of duty; a service with dedication and humility;
a service with battlefield victory as our objective but lasting peace as
our goal. I shall lead the way possessed with principled leadership,
with you ladies and gentlemen of the Philippine Army marching in
glorious unison with me. I commit myself, as your new Commanding
General, to lead you with conscience and conviction. The improvement of
the Army will be a crusade I will instill in our soldiers. And with your
cooperation and support, I am certain that I will not fail.
With the help of the Divine Almighty, LET US GO TEAM ARMY!