Military ready to sit down with Congress on BBM priority bills on security

THE Armed Forces of the Philippine on Monday evening said that it was ready to sit down with lawmakers to enforce its "direction and policies" outlined by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., during his first State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Col. Medel Aguilar, acting spokesman of the AFP, said majority of the items mentioned by the President needs to be passed into law and they are ready to assist congressmen and senators with their inputs.

"The President has articulated his direction and policies in his SONA. Since many of these require legislation, the AFP will be ready to provide inputs on matters related to national security which include the National Defense Act, Mandatory ROTC to Senior High School students, the Unified Pension System for members of uniformed personnel who are with disability, and even the Medical Reserve Corps, should the task of organizing and training them is given to the AFP," Aguilar told reporters.

Aguilar said the AFP is and has always been supportive of any policies or moves by the Chief Executive who is their commander-in-chief.

President Marcos Jr., also mentioned that national interest will be the core of his foreign policy, adding that he will not give a square inch of the counry's territory.

"Aside from the military, the President can use other elements of national power in advancing our national interest. That, however, is beyond the AFP's core competency," Aguilar said.

Aguilar made the statement following media queries on the AFP reaction to the priority bills that were laid down by President Marcos Jr.

The President also said that he wants to create a Medical Reserve Corps under the supervision of the DoH.

Source: TheManila Times