Lt. Gen. Parlade’s statement is baseless. In the years I have known the President, he has always been his own man. The President stands by his own decisions, has always been firm in his directives to us, who are working for him, and is not as easily swayed or influenced by others as purported by the general.
As then Special Assistant to the President and now Senator, Bong Go, has assisted the DND in ensuring the doubling of the salaries of the uniformed personnel as directed by PRRD. He has also been consistent in strongly supporting DND in all its programs and modernization efforts.
In all these endeavors, Bong Go’s support to the DND and AFP has not abated. He has always been our main bridge to the President and I have not known any instance when SBG acted outside the wishes and decisions of the President.
In addition, the AFP remains a professional organization that continues to work in the interest of the Filipino people, regardless of the prevailing political landscape.
There is no truth to the allegations that there is brewing trouble or discontent in the AFP. (PR) – bny
