PAF to review awards, badges policy for reservists amid 'stolen valor' issue vs Mikee Romero

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Monday said it will review and strengthen its policies on the conferment of awards and the wearing of honorary badges and insignia to reservists.

In a statement, PAF spokesperson Colonel Ma. Christina Basco acknowledged the public interest regarding the military service and recognitions of businessman and former party-list representative Michael “Mikee” Romero, who holds the rank of Brigadier General in the PAF Reserves.

“All awards and badges worn on the military uniform must be supported by appropriate General Orders or official documentation specifying the nature and basis of the individual's contribution or service,” she said.

“The Reserve Command, PAF, in coordination with the other Major Services of the (Armed Forces of the Philippines), will review and strengthen existing policies to ensure proper documentation, adherence to established protocols, and the integrity of the military awards and recognition system,” Basco added.

Basco stressed that the military status, assignments, and recognitions of its personnel are reflected in official AFP records.

'Stolen valor'

Recently, a photo of Romero in a PAF uniform standing beside AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Antonio Nafarrete went viral online as both active and retired uniformed personnel questioned Romero’s decorations as a one-star general in the PAF Reserve seemed to be as many as Nafarrete’s, a four star general with 36 years of active service, leading to accusations of “stolen valor.”

“I recently read the poignant reaction of retired General Romeo Poquiz, which strikes at the very heart of military honor and institutional integrity. He highlights a jarring comparison: the uniform, ranks, and blood-earned decorations of our AFP Chief of Staff versus those of an influential politician wearing a star-rank uniform adorned with unearned high-level awards. When the Gold Cross Medal—a decoration for gallantry in action—and the Combat Commander (Kagitingan) Badge are treated as fashion accessories or political props rather than honors earned through sacrifice, the entire foundation of the profession of arms begins to crumble,” said retired colonel Rodrigo Bonifacio on social media.

“This is a classic case of ‘Stolen Valor’ institutionalized through political patronage, and it demands immediate state intervention,” he added.

Stolen valor is defined as the act of lying about military service, wearing unearned military medals, or exaggerating combat achievements to gain unearned respect, status, or material benefits.

Romero is a businessman and served as the Party-list Congressman for 1-Pacman from 2016 to 2025 holding roles as Senior Deputy Speaker. As for his military service, he received an honorary Philippine Air Force Gold Wings in 2021 and was recognized as a colonel and later confirmed as a Brigadier General in the Philippine Air Force Reserve Force. His promotion to full colonel in the PAF Reserve was recognized by the Commission on Appointments (CA) in October 2025, and his promotion to Brigadier General was officially confirmed by the CA on August 13, 2026.

GMA News Online has sought comment from Romero. The story will be updated as soon we receive his response on the matter. —RF, GMA News