Transgender solon Roman wants to join AFP as reserve officer

The House of Representatives' first transgender member has signified her intention to join the military as a reserve officer.

In a statement, Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman said she appreciated what she called the Armed Forces of Philippines' policy to allow members of the lesbians-gays-bisexuals-transexuals (LGBT) community to join the AFP.

"I will also be applying to become a military officer in the AFP Reserve Force to become the first transgender military officer of the Phlippine Republic," Roman said.

"I just hope that they are aware that as a transgender woman, I will be wearing a military woman's uniform and haircut," he added.

Roman said she was also supporting the proposed return of mandatory Reserve Officers Training Course among senior high school students.

"To show my strong support for our AFP Commander-in-Chief Rodrigo Duterte, I will be encouraging the youth to join and promote our nation's ROTC because this will prepare them for our country's defense and for earthquake/typhoon rescue operations," Roman said.

Welcome addition

The military welcomed the lawmaker's intention to join the service.

"We highly value the patriotism of our citizens and will work to cultivate this. She will be a welcome addition to the Reservists Force," said AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla.

Padilla stressed that the the AFP does not discriminate with respect to gender when accomodating applications to join the regular or reservist force.

Padilla, however, reminded Roman that if she undergoes training with the AFP, she and the rest of the applicants have to "maintain the dignity of the uniform; observe discipline, propriety and decorum; and measure up to the steep standards of the service."

"Else, they have no room in this noble profession of arms," said the military official.

Roman, a member of an influential political family in Bataan, won as representative of the 1st district in the May polls.

She took over the post of her mother, three-termer Rep. Herminia Roman. —NB/MDM, GMA News