Dela Rosa tells AFP officers: Remain apolitical

Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa on Wednesday urged senior officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to remain politically neutral.

At a hearing of the Commission on Appointments defense committee, Dela Rosa appealed to 86 flag and senior AFP officials to remain apolitical and to maintain their loyalty to the country.

“The Filipino people are expecting you to be politically neutral. You should be apolitical in every way and the only time that you will be allowed to express your political biases is when you exercise your right to suffrage,” said dela Rosa.

“I hope you remain steadfast in maintaining your values na huwag kayong magpadala sa politika. Whatever the political climate sa Pilipinas ngayon, magulo man, stressful man, 'wag kayong magpapa-apekto. You need to remain loyal to the Filipino flag, loyal to the Constitution, and loyal to the Filipino people,” he said.

(I hope you remain steadfast in maintaining your values na huwag kayong magpadala sa politika. Whatever the political climate sa Pilipinas ngayon, do not be affected. You need to remain loyal to the Filipino flag, loyal to the Constitution, and loyal to the Filipino people.)

The legislator added: “Yun lang ang aking pakiusap sa inyo, sana huwag na huwag kayong magpagamit sa mga politiko. Never.”

(That is my only request. I hope you will not let politicians use you.)

Eighty-six AFP officers faced the members of the CA for their confirmation hearing. The military personnel were inquired on various issues including the territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Meanwhile, Senator Risa Hontiveros interpellated four AFP officers on the alleged unaccounted increase in their assets and liabilities (SALNs).

Hontiveros asked Brigadier General Nhel Richard Patricio, BGen. Dean Mark Mamaril, BGen. Romell Allan Genete, and Colonel Orville Dizon to explain their SALNs. Patricio and Mamaril attributed the increase to their tax-free allowances and benefits during their posts abroad.

Genete and Dizon said they indicated all of their assets on their SALNs. The senator requested that the generals submit their explanations in writing.

The CA panel endorsed the confirmation of the AFP officers to the plenary. They were:

• MGen. Francisco Lorenzo Jr.
• MGen. Michael Samson
• MGen. Florante Sison
• MGen. Edwin Amadar
• BGen. Vicente Naldoza Jr.
• BGen. Dean Mark Mamaril
• BGen. Billy dela Rosa
• BGen. Nhel Richard Patricio
• BGen. Antonio Dulnuan Jr.
• Rear Admiral Karl Decapia
• Commodore Luidegar Casis
• Col. Paquito Malano Jr.
• Col. Stephen Calizo
• Col. Joel Jonson
• Col. Chester Guanzon
• Col. Rhyan Reyes
• Col. Roland Rey Magtuba
• Col. Darwin Catibog
• Navy Capt. John Percie Alcos
• Navy Capt. Jaymund Poblacion
• Col. Maria Ghirly Solis
• Col. Percival Macaranas Jr.
• Col. Flordeliza Bolhayon
• Col. Julito Recto Jr.
• Col. Boysen Gawiden
• Col. Victor-Czar Villanueva
• Navy Capt. Jowel de Vera
• Col. Francisco Quezon Jr.
• MGen. Peter Burgonio
• BGen. Romell Allan Genete
• BGen. Bayani Curaming
• BGen. Patrick de Villa
• BGen. Danilo Dupiag
• Commodore Jeff Rene Nadugo
• Commodore Zosimo Bolaños
• Commodore Sergio Bartolome
• Commodore Joselito de Guzman
• Col. Robert Wendell Austria
• Col. Louis Leander
• Col. Francisco Mangubat Jr.
• Col. Simon Medroso
• Col. Arthur Realuyo
• Col. Orville Dizon
• Col. Carlos Chan Jr.
• Navy Capt. Randolph Oliva
• Col. Wilfred Arevalo
• Col. Rafael Caido
• Col. Harold Garcia
• Col. Michael Rey Bautista
• Col. Fernando Payapaya
• Col. Ryan Igama
• Col. Rommel Estoque
• Col. Renato Capili Jr.
• Col. Aristides Galang Jr.
• Col. Roel Felix
• Col. Reymar Perez
• Col. Henry Macatangay
• Col. Jouie Embudo
• Col. Clifford Basco (Marines)
• Navy Capt. Wendelboy Buntag
• Col. Eduard Olaso (Marines)
• Col. Jose Perlas Jr.
• Col. Constander Cahayon
• Col. Rommel Besorio
• Col. Jesicar Barcil
• Col. Almira Ramirez
• Col. Karen Nina Campos (Medical Corps)
• Col. Sharon Montellana
• Col. Hazel Bracamonte
• Col. Jonathan Inocando
• Navy Capt. Julius Magno Jr.
• Col. Joel Atienza
• Col. Ritche Amancio (Dental Service)
• Col. Ramedinthine Tolentino
• Col. Ronel Salas
• Col. Don Villanueva
• Col. Erwin Cariño
• Navy Capt. Leo Aspillaga
• Navy Capt. Kenneth Lozañes
• Col. Joseph Jason Estrada
• Col. Gerald Regis
• Col. Jerald Reyes
• Col. Joven Bugarin
• Col. Alimuddin Pola (Marines)
• Col. Joel Almendral

— BAP, GMA Integrated News