From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 7): President Aquino to PA: 'You'll not be neglected'
President Benigno S. Aquino III on Friday lauded the Philippine Army soldiers for continuously being defenders of the nation and at the same time vowed to improve their benefits.
The President said that from the Zamboanga siege in September 2013 until typhoon “Yolanda” in November, the military was there to give protection to those who needed it.
He also noted that since 1986 until now, the country’s population has doubled, but the number of soldiers and police remained the same.
“It is not simple to add members because it requires a huge fund,” the President said in Filipino during the retirement ceremony for outgoing Army Chief Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes at the Philippine Army Headquarters inFort Bonifacio , Taguig City
“(However) with the help of Congress, we are pushing for laws that will discover ways to make adding members possible,” he added.
The President said that since it was a big responsibility being part of the military, the government will continue to find ways to address the soldiers' needs.
“Being protectors of the nation, you will not be neglected by the government,” he said. “The state will be behind you, having debt of gratitude for your service...”
“I trust that in the coming years, our Armed Forces will further progress as a foundation that pushes for a country that is peaceful, righteous and abundant,” he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=613664
President Benigno S. Aquino III on Friday lauded the Philippine Army soldiers for continuously being defenders of the nation and at the same time vowed to improve their benefits.
The President said that from the Zamboanga siege in September 2013 until typhoon “Yolanda” in November, the military was there to give protection to those who needed it.
He also noted that since 1986 until now, the country’s population has doubled, but the number of soldiers and police remained the same.
“It is not simple to add members because it requires a huge fund,” the President said in Filipino during the retirement ceremony for outgoing Army Chief Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes at the Philippine Army Headquarters in
“(However) with the help of Congress, we are pushing for laws that will discover ways to make adding members possible,” he added.
The President said that since it was a big responsibility being part of the military, the government will continue to find ways to address the soldiers' needs.
“Being protectors of the nation, you will not be neglected by the government,” he said. “The state will be behind you, having debt of gratitude for your service...”
“I trust that in the coming years, our Armed Forces will further progress as a foundation that pushes for a country that is peaceful, righteous and abundant,” he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=613664