NEWSFLASH

Malacanang, Feb. 7, 2001 - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today assured the officers and men of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that her administration will push through with the AFP’s modernization plan.

"This is the least we can do in return for your dedication to service and heroic deeds for our country," the President said in a speech during her visit to Fort Bonifacio.

The President particularly referred to the Philippine Army’s "defining participation in EDSA II," as she called the AFP men and officers as "dedicated patriots, star defenders of democracy and the catalysts of reform."

The President, this morning, made a Command Visit to the headquarters of the Philippine Army at Fort Bonifacio, Philippine Air Force at Villamor Airbase and the First Scout Ranger Regiment Special Operation Command at Camp Tecson in San Miguel, Bulacan.

Despite budgetary constraints, the President said she still would want to pursue the Army’s modernization program.

The President disclosed that she has just approved the initial release of the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) of P5.4 billion for the whole AFP, with over P2 billion allotted to the Philippine Army.

The President, however, expressed the hope that the bureaucracy will be able to unlock the red tape that goes into spending the money but without sacrificing her administration’s policy on transparency.

"This is the mission that AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Angelo Reyes has set for the AFP to do, so that very soon we can see the benefits of modernization," the President said.

Encouraging the speedy and transparent expenditure of these funds as soon as possible, the President also ordered the Department of Budget and Management to release another P3 billion to the Philippine Army for its modernization program.

As an expression of her administration’s support to the soldier’s morale and welfare, the President reiterated what she announced in Cebu City that she will institutionalize the financial assistance extended to those killed and wounded in action, namely P100,000 for the family of those killed in action, P50,000 for those who suffered major injuries, and P20,000 for those who suffered serious but less than major injuries.

She also announced that she will expedite the passage of bills in Congress aimed at enhancing the welfare of the soldiers, adding that she will soon sign into law a bill on tax exemptions for AFP personnel.

The President also said she will push forward a bill that would provide monthly gratuity pensions for the Medal of Valor awardees.

The rice subsidy that was being enjoyed by the soldiers in combat in Mindanao, the President added, will be continued.

President Macapagal-Arroyo, the first President to visit Camp Tecson, and the first military camp she visited outside of Metro Manila, expressed gratitude for the military’s support for the new administration.

"I wish to extend the gratitude of the entire nation for gallantry and professionalism that you have shown in your sworn duty as protector of the state and of the people," she said.

The President cited the renowned Scout Rangers’ expertise in unconventional warfare and strike-and-go tactics.

This has been highly instrumental in contributing a large percentage to the strategic victory the AFP’s counter insurgency campaign.

After a delivering her message to the Scout Rangers, the President participated in a "boodle fight" with the officers of the AFP headed by Gen. Reyes.

Also present were Executive Secretary Renato de Villa and Defense Secretary Eduardo Ermita. The meal, spread in a long table covered with banana leaves, consisted of rice, pansit Malabon, and pork and chicken adobo.

The President visited all three camps, from Fort Bonifacio and Villamor Airbase, all the way to Camp Tecson in San Miguel, Bulacan by land.

Reported by: Sol Jose Vanzi
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