IPINAABOT ni Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez nitong Biyernes ang kanyang paghanga at pasasalamat sa kagitingan at dedikasyon ng mga sundalong Pilipino.

Kasabay nito ay inulit ni Speaker Romualdez ang pangako ng Kamara de Representantes na tutulong sa pagpapalakas ng operational capabilities ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Sa kaniyang talumpati sa forum na inorganisa ng National Defense College of the Philippines Alumni Association sa Camp Aguinaldo sa Quezon City, binigyang-diin ni Speaker Romualdez ang mahalagang papel ng AFP sa pagbibigay ng proteksyon sa pambansang soberanya sa gitna ng patuloy na pandaigdigang tensyon lalo na sa West Philippine Sea (WPS).

“Our nation stands at a pivotal juncture, where the ripples of global tensions are felt even within the serene waters of the [WPS]. It is here that our brave men and women in uniform stand as sentinels of sovereignty, safeguarding our nation’s territory against the ceaseless tides of adversity,” sabi ni Speaker Romualdez, lider ng higit 300 mambabatas ng Kapulungan.

“The House of Representatives, fully aware of the weight of this responsibility, has been unyielding in its commitment to fortify the operational capabilities of our Armed Forces. We have embarked on a strategic journey, not only to modernize our military assets but also to ensure that our personnel are equipped with the fortitude of skill and the assurance of a nation’s unwavering support,” dagdag pa nito.

Bilang bahagi ng pagtupad sa pangakong tutulungan ang pagpapalakas ng AFP, sinabi ni Speaker Romualdez na mayroong nakalaang P282.7 bilyong pondo ang AFP sa ilalim ng panukalang 2024 national budget. Ito ay mas mataas ng 21.6% kumpara sa kanilang budget ngayong taon.

“Our commitment to safeguarding our territorial integrity and ensuring the safety of our citizens remains unwavering. As a nation, we must take proactive measures to enhance our defense capabilities and ensure that we have the necessary resources to effectively protect our sovereign rights,” ani Speaker Romualdez.

Aniya ang pondong inilaan sa sektor ng depensa ay para suportahan ang mga kritikal na hakbangin tulad ng “Land, Air, and Naval Forces Defense Programs,” na nagkakahalaga ng P188.5 bilyon, kasama ang mga kontribusyon sa United Nations Peacekeeping Mission, na layong tiyakin ang matatag na lokal na seguridad.

Hindi pa kasama sa naturang halaga ang P1.23 bilyon na confidential at intelligence funds na inilipat ng Kamara sa mga frontline agency na may tungkuling tiyakin ang pambansang seguridad at pangalagaan ang interes ng bansa sa WPS.

Kasama sa strategic reallocation na ito ang P300 milyon na napunta sa National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, P100 milyon sa National Security Council, P200 milyon sa Philippine Coast Guard para sa intelligence activities at ammunition, at P381.3 milyon sa Department of Transportation para sa pagpapalawak ng Pag-Asa Island Airport.

“This allocation demonstrates our dedication to maintaining a strong and credible defense posture, one that sends a clear message that we will not compromise when it comes to safeguarding our national interests,” wika ni Romualdez.

“We must remember that a strong defense is not merely a tool for confrontation, but a means to uphold peace, stability, and the rule of law,” saad pa niya.

Muli ring siniguri ni Speaker Romualdez ang suporta ng Kamara sa posisyon ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. na igiit ang soberanya sa WPS at binigyang-diin ang kahalagahan ng mga panukala at batas, kabilang Republic Act 11939, na naglalayong palakasin ang propesyonalismo at modernisasyon ng militar.

Nakalatag na rin aniya ang ilang panukalang batas para sa pagbabago ng Department of National Defense at ang pagtatatag ng Special Defense Economic Zone.

Tiniyak din ng Speaker ang posisyon ng Kamara na isulong ang kapakanan ng mga unipormadong hanay, sa pamamagitan ng pagtaas ng base pay, pinalawak na mga benepisyo sa serbisyong pangkalusugan at pabahay.

Ibinida rin ng lider ng Kamara ang pag-apruba sa House Bill (HB) No. 8969, o reporma sa pension system ng military and uniformed personnel (MUP), upang matiyak ang economic stability at matatag na seguridad na pambansa.

“But what does all this mean for our future, for the peace we so dearly pursue? It means that as we chart the course for tomorrow, we do so with the confidence that comes from a military that is not only capable and well-equipped but also respected and cared for. It means that as we navigate the complexities of geopolitical negotiations, we do so with the assurance that our armed forces stand ready to uphold our sovereignty with honor and integrity,” ipinunto ni Speaker Romualdez

Pagpapatuloy nito: “As we move forward, let us remember that each vessel we commission, each new weapon we procure, and each policy we enact in support of our military is a testament to our resolve as a nation. A resolve to protect our land, our people, and the freedoms we hold sacred.

“In conclusion, let the message go forth from this gathering that the Philippine military is strong, our resolve is steadfast, and our commitment to the welfare of our soldiers is unshakeable. Together, we will continue to stand as valiant guardians of peace, for today, for tomorrow, and for all the days to come,” sabi pa ni Speaker Romualdez.

Sa kaniyang pagtatapos ay ipinaabot ni Speaker Romualdez ang pasasalamat sa lahat ng sakripisyo ng AFP, “Maraming salamat po sa inyong sakripisyo at malasakit sa bayan. Mabuhay kayong lahat!”