Senator Christopher "Bong" Go expressed his alignment with Defense Secretary Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro Jr.'s stance against the proposed military pension reform particularly on the issue of imposing mandatory contributions and removing the automatic indexation for military pensioners.
"It was also reported that Secretary Teodoro does not agree with the proposed mandatory contributions and the removal of the automatic indexation of our military personnel," Go stated during the Commission on Appointments committee hearing on Wednesday, 13 September.
"Hindi rin po ako sang-ayon dito sa mandatory contributions at pagbago sa automatic indexation," he stressed.
Go then elaborated on his stance, emphasizing that there are alternative ways to address financial needs without affecting the pensions of current retirees and those still in active service.
"Bagama't naintindihan po natin ang sitwasyon ng ating mga finance managers at tumataas na budgetary needs ng gobyerno at sa posibleng paglobo ng kakailanganin na pondo po para sa pension, naniniwala ako na may ibang paraan upang matugunan ito nang hindi maapektuhan ang pension ng ating kasalukuyang mga retirees at mga nasa active service," he added.
He further suggested some of these alternative methods, "Katulad ng pag-improve sa pagkolekta ng buwis o pag-eliminate po ng corruption sa gobyerno."
Go also took the opportunity to remind his colleagues of the efforts made during the term of former president Rodrigo Duterte to increase the salaries of military and uniformed personnel.
"Huwag nating kalimutan na noong panahon ni dating pangulong Rodrigo Duterte, nagsikap tayo na mapataas ang sweldo ng ating uniformed personnel," Go began.
He then elaborated on the collective efforts made to achieve this salary increase. "Nagpursige din tayo upang maisakatuparan ito noong hindi pa po ako senador at naniniwala po ako na marami pong sumuporta dito sa last Congress," he continued.
Go also expressed his concerns about the potential impact of mandatory contributions on the increased salaries. "Naniniwala rin po ako na hindi natin dapat bawiin sa pamamagitan ng contributions ang matagal na nilang inasam na pagtaas ng sahod," he said.
The senator further emphasized the need to consider the long-term impact of the proposed pension reform on the lives of current military personnel.
"Huwag naman po sanang bigay-bawi. Tandaan natin na marami sa ating kasundaluhan ay mayroon ng plano sa kanilang mga matatanggap kapag magreretire. Nakaplano na yan, naka-loan, may babayaran na yan at pamilya…nakalaan na yan para sa kanilang mga anak," he said.
"Kung iisipin natin, yung ikakaltas po sa kanila ay halos katumbas ng isang sakong bigas at napakahalaga po nito, lalung-lalo na po sa mga ordinaryong sundalo. Maliit na bagay lamang ito na para sa ating mga sundalo dahil sa sakripisyo po na inalay nila para mapanatili ang ating seguridad," he added.
Go has consistently emphasized the need for fiscal stability while ensuring the welfare of military and uniformed personnel. He has previously suggested that any pension reform should not adversely affect pensioners and those still in active service.
"Buhay ang isinasakripisyo nila para mapanatili ang seguridad ng bansa. Iba po ang sakripisyo nila dahil buhay po ang nakataya dito. Kahit isang boto lang ako dito, palagi kong ipaglalaban kung ano pong makakabuti sa mga nagseserbisyo sa bayan," assured the senator before.
On the same day, Go expressed his full support for Teodoro's ad interim appointment as Secretary of the Department of National Defense (DND).
"As we discuss the welfare of our uniformed personnel, it's crucial that we have a competent and reliable individual leading the DND. I fully support the ad interim appointment of Secretary Gibo Teodoro for this role," Go declared.
He praised Teodoro's previous performance as DND secretary under the administration of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, stating, "Sec. Gibo Teodoro Jr. is a man of competence and integrity. Ito po ay napatunayan na nung una siyang manungkulan bilang Kalihim po ng Department of National Defense noong panahon ni pangulong Arroyo."
He also mentioned that Teodoro's primary objectives during his previous term were focused on modernizing the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and DND personnel, upholding human rights, and taking a proactive approach to disaster risk management.
The senator also took the opportunity to discuss his own advocacy for disaster preparedness. "Like Secretary Gibo, I share the same advocacy in strengthening our country's disaster preparedness and response, which is why I filed for the creation of the Department of Disaster Resilience (DND)."
Earlier, Go filed Senate Bill No. 188, which aims to establish the DDR to centralize efforts, streamline coordination, and ensure a more swift and effective response to emergencies.
"This proposed department will be headed by a cabinet secretary. Napapanahon na po. Sana magkaroon tayo ng isang timon na nakatutok po," he added.
The creation of the said department, if enacted into law, shall concentrate on three key result areas, namely: disaster risk reduction, disaster preparedness and response, and recovery and building forward better.
Towards the end of his speech, Go extended his trust and confidence in Teodoro. "Mr. Secretary, you have my full trust and confidence. Ako po ay naniniwala that under your watch, mas lalo pa ninyong mapapalakas ang ating defense department at mga programang nakapaloob dito," he concluded.