Bong Go supports proposed defense budget

In the Senate plenary deliberations for the 2024 proposed national budget, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go expressed strong support for the Department of National Defense (DND), while raising concerns about the proposed mandatory pension contributions and advocating for enhanced disaster management efforts.

"I just want to express my full and strong support for the Department of National Defense headed by Secretary Gibo Teodoro and its attached agencies," said Go in his interpellation.

The senator lauded the DND for its consistent efforts in "relentlessly pursuing the professionalization, modernization, and development of the defense sector to protect the national interest and respond effectively to domestic and global challenges."

He then recalled, "Under the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte, he made sure that the defense sector's trajectory will continue its upward momentum and lead to sustained peace and stability for the nation."

Go also noted the increased focus on professionalization and meritocracy in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) during Duterte's tenure. He pointed out the tangible benefits of these policies, such as "doubled or increased the compensation of the military and uniformed personnel in recognition of their valiant efforts and to protect and secure our country."

Go then highlighted the essential role played by the military and uniformed personnel in ensuring national security. He stated, "Our military and uniformed personnel perform a vital task of ensuring our nation's peace and security."

He further emphasized the need to support them, "We must therefore pledge to continue to provide them with the means necessary to carry out their mission effectively and pay them back by continuing to provide a system that will cater to their needs."

The senator then shifted his focus to the recent amendments in military law, particularly concerning promotions and retirements within the ranks of the AFP. Go brought attention to the legislative changes, stating, "Itong Republic Act 11939 was enacted to amend Republic Act 11709… The new law adjusts the retirement age of the military and amended the prescribed authorized number of officers in the active force in each grade."

He emphasized the significance of this amendment, which increased the quota for General and Flag Officers from 1 percent under RA 11709 to 1.25 percent under RA 11939. The senator, however, expressed concerns over the potential delays in promotions, particularly how they might affect officers nearing retirement age.

Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa who sponsored the budget of DND acknowledged the planned increase in the number of General Officers and Flag Officers by 2024, noting that the AFP and the Secretary of National Defense were aware of these concerns and would take steps to address them.

Go for his part reiterated the need for a fair and expedited process, expressing his desire to avoid a repeat of past complications and to ensure that the morale of the AFP personnel remains high.

Meanwhile, Go sought an update on the DND's position regarding the proposed pension reforms, noting, "Just for the record, may we now get an update, on the position of the DND with regards to the proposed reforms in the pension of our military and uniformed personnel."

Emphasizing his support for the armed forces, Go stated, "I will only support any measure… which will be for the betterment of our uniformed personnel."

He expressed his disapproval of the proposed mandatory contributions from active and retired personnel to fund their pensions, highlighting the financial burden it would place on them: "Hindi po ako sang-ayon sa pag-obliga sa mga nasa active service at retired na magbayad ng mandatory contribution."

Go vividly illustrated the impact of these contributions on the personnel, equating the deduction to a significant commodity, "'Yung ikakaltas sa sundalo katumbas na po 'yan ng halos isang sakong bigas."

"Malaking bagay po yan sa kanila at pinagplanuhan na po nila ang kanilang sweldo… yung iba naglo-loan na po. At noong panahon ni dating pangulong Duterte, itinaas o ang iba po'y nadoble (ang sahod). Huwag naman po sanang bigay-bawi ito sa ating mga sundalo," Go explained.

Responding to Go's concerns, dela Rosa noted the current stance of the DND, stating, "The stand of the DND right now is even more noble. Because ang stand nila is talagang totally noncontributory."

Go maintained that any reform to the pension system for the country's military personnel must not adversely affect the benefits due to active and retired members of the AFP as well as other uniformed personnel, emphasizing the years that they have sacrificed to serve and protect the country.

"Kung saka-sakali mang may gagawing reporma na pension sa military at para maiwasan po ang pagkakaroon ng financial disaster in the long run, dapat po'y sana maging applicable lang po ito sa new entrants at mga bagong papasok sa military para alam nila kung ano po ang kanilang (pinapasok)," he added.

Finally, Go brought attention to the recent natural calamities, stating, "A magnitude of 6.8 earthquake struck Sarangani, Davao Occidental… a total of 12,885 individuals from 43 barangays have been affected by the earthquake."

He also mentioned the severe flooding in Davao, underlining the urgency of effective disaster response mechanisms.

Go proposed the creation of a Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR), emphasizing the need for a focused and coordinated approach to disaster management. He detailed the potential responsibilities of such a department, including pre-disaster preparation, coordination with local government units, and post-disaster rehabilitation efforts.

Go previously filed Senate Bill No. (SBN) 188, which aims to establish the DDR, would centralize efforts, streamline coordination, and ensure a more swift and effective response to emergencies if enacted into law.

In July this year, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) voiced its support for the establishment of the DDR, emphasizing the importance of such an institution in improving operations in managing and responding to future crises.

Aside from the measure, Go recently co-sponsored SBN 2451 or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers bill primarily sponsored by Senator Jinggoy Estrada. The measure, based on the Mandatory Evacuation Center bill that Go earlier filed, aims to establish permanent, well-equipped evacuation centers nationwide.

In his closing remarks, Go reiterated his strong support for the DND and its affiliated agencies, stating, "Again, it is our task in the legislature to support our nation's protectors and heroes."

"Noon pa man po… full support po tayo sa ating DND at sa ating Armed Forces of the Philippines," concluded Go.