Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. has reminded soldiers to stay away from corruption or face the consequence of relief them from their posts or be booted out from the service.
Galvez issued the reminder on Monday during his first flag- raising ceremony as the chief of staff attended by officers and enlisted personnel (EP).
“The President has zero tolerance for corruption. We will have no fear of relieving people who are mediocre and full of anomalies. We will keep the AFP clean. I will not hesitate to relieve any commander who will be tainted with corruption,” Galvez said.
He directed the Office of the Inspector General to investigate reported anomalies in the use of resources to ensure judicious use of funds and proper management of government assets.
The new chief of staff, likewise, declared to the officers, EPs and civilian employees in attendance that while he is strict with erring personnel, he is also keen with giving awards and recognition, including cash incentives to deserving personnel.
He promised to provide plaques of recognition and cash incentives starting from P10,000 for top performing officers, EP and civilian employees who will be selected on a quarterly basis. He tasked the deputy chief of staff for personnel, or J1, to craft the process and conduct deliberations.
Galvez promised to promote officers and enlisted personnel who will excel and deliver significant results required of their respective positions.
The top military honcho also took the occasion to thank general headquarters (GHQ) personnel, and special staff for their strong support during the Marawi crisis. As the commander of Western Mindanao Command then, Galvez led the troops of various task forces in retaking Marawi from terrorists.
“General headquarters has given us so much support and leverage to fight the war that we have never fought before. The support was evident in the motivation of our troops, who, despite being wounded, were eager to continue fighting. That exemplified the support the GHQ has given us. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you for a job well done,” Galvez said.
He also echoed the order of President Duterte to expedite albeit prudently and deliberately the processing of contracts related to the AFP Modernization Program.
“The President is pushing us to make our modernization move forward. We need to choose people who can deliver results for our modernization,” the chief of staff said.
He promised to work hands-on and without delay.
“I am result-oriented. We must be output-oriented as we value teamwork and meritocracy. Be righteous. Be perfect, because any mistake may mean the lives of the people we have sworn to serve and protect; and the lives of our very own soldiers,” Galvez said.
“We need the cooperation of everyone – officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian employees – in translating the intent of the AFP into tangible reality,” he added.