Senator to PMA grads: Fulfill pledge to country

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Bong Go hailed the new graduates of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and reminded them to stay committed in serving the country and protecting their fellow Filipinos as they enter the ranks of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Last Sunday, Go joined President Duterte as the latter spearheaded the commencement exercises of “Bagong Sibol sa Kinabukasan Didigma Hanggang sa Wakas” (Bagsik Diwa) Class of 2022 at Fort General Gregorio H. del Pilar in Baguio City.

PMA Bagsik Diwa Class has 214 graduating cadets, composed of 165 males and 49 females. They shall be deployed in the three branches of the AFP, with 104 joining the Philippine Army, 57 in the Philippine Navy and 53 in the Philippine Air Force.

“Today, the man in uniform must do many things at the same time, if he is to be relevant to these changing times. He must be both a warrior and a peacemaker, an arms bearer and a pencil pusher, skilled at the art of war and a depth of lifesaver, an offensive machine, a fierce defender, a tribune and a diplomat, a soldier and a civil servant,” Duterte said in his remarks.

“The Philippine Military Academy has efficiently prepared you for all possibilities and all eventualities. The eyes of the Filipino people are upon you. Always remain true to your oath,” he urged.

Echoing the President’s appeal, Go urged the graduates to fulfill their pledge to the country and continue pursuing Duterte’s vision of securing the welfare, well-being and way of life of every Filipino while providing a comfortable life for all.

The senator also commended the educators and their loved ones who supported the graduates’ journey. “Congratulations too to the parents and mentors at the PMA. They could not have made it this far by themselves.”

Even before becoming a senator, Go was instrumental in pushing for the salary increase of uniformed personnel, in fulfillment of the President’s promise at the start of his term. In January 2018, Duterte signed Joint Resolution 1 which increased the base pay of all military and uniformed personnel in the government.

The senator has also filed Senate Bill 393 to provide free legal assistance to military and police officers.