RAUL "Boboy" C. TUPAS

“Mr. President, I rise to second the motion for the confirmation of the ad interim appointments of the Generals and Senior Officers (Colonels) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). 

As one of the authors of R.A. 11709 and of R.A. 11939, I am in full support of the enhancement of professionalization in the AFP, promotion of the most qualified officers to higher ranks, and creating a new culture of excellence and leadership in the AFP.

We recognize the significant contributions of our appointees in the significant gains achieved by the AFP in securing the sovereignty of the State specially in focused military operations, civil-military operations, and community support and information operations. 

Special mention goes to the following: 

1. Lt Gen Facundo Olores Palafox IV

My company commander at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA). Some of the notable accomplishments of General Palafox are the following: serve as Armor Division Commander providing armor support to AFP units nationwide; serve as Brigade Commander at naging instrumental po sa pag stabilize ng security and  political situation sa Lanao Del Norte between the LGU and MILF Northern Mindanao Command  Front under Cmdr Bravo (Abdullah Macapaar) with 3 Base Commands; and served as member of the peace panel of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines from 2014 to 2017.  

2. BGen Genaro Dela Cruz Menor

My mistah and class valedictorian of PMA Bantay Laya Class of 1994; Outstanding Graduate of the Combined Logistics Officers’ Advanced Course, US Air Force, Washington DC USA; Deputy Wing Commander of the Tactical Operations Wing Eastern Mindanao stationed in Davao City; and well regarded for his integrity and professionalism. 

3. BGen Rodyer Berja Dela Peña

   My province mate in the Province of Iloilo. 

4. Col. Julius Quindap Villena

Another province mate in the Province of Iloilo. 

To our appointees, you will perform crucial roles as our military continues to strengthen its capability and warfighting functions in view of existing and emerging threats in accordance with R.A. 10349 or the Revised AFP Modernization Program. Securing and protecting the integrity of the national territory will be a continuing concern. 

You will be called upon to combat terrorism which is inimical and dangerous to the national security of the country and to the welfare of the people. You will be called time and again during times of natural calamities and epidemics. You will have to continuously arm yourselves with new skills and knowledge as the character of warfare is also fast evolving brought by technological advancements and information technology.

I have no doubt that in times of crisis and natural disasters you are ready for duty putting the welfare of the Filipino people above all else. As a leader, you will map the way and set expectations while boosting the morale of the people you lead.

Again, let me express my sincerest congratulations to our appointees. 

Let us work together to pursue excellence in our duties and in defending the Motherland.” 

Hindi nakakalimutan ng pamahalaan ang inyong sakripisyo at serbisyo sa bayan. Nawa’y maging ehemplo tayo ng kagitingan, pag-asa, at pagkakaisa. Magkapit-bisig tayo para sa isang mapayapa at masaganang kinabukasan para sa ating bayan.

Mabuhay ang Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas!”

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Mr. Chair, I fully support the nominations and ad interim appointments of our Foreign Service Career Officers. Their accomplishments and experiences including their sacrifices fully reflect their readiness and competence in their new assignments. Nagpapasalamat po tayo sa kanilang serbisyo at sakripisyo. I trust that they will perform to their utmost and levelness sa pag-recognize po ng kanilang kakayahan ng atin pong gobyerno. Ang atin pong mga opisyales sa Kagawaran ng Ugnayang Panlabas ng Pilipinas ay ang mukha ng ating bansa sa ating pandaigdigang relasyon. As such, they engage in diplomatic dialogues, cultural exchanges and economic partnerships that raise the standing influence of our country. Sa kanila pong interaction with the other officials in other countries, they build bridges of understanding and cooperation leading to mutually beneficial cooperation agreements. They work on global issues and security concerns with other international players to find common grounds, if not solutions.

Allow me, Mr. Chair, sa pagdagdag po ng pag-recognize sa apat na mga kasama kong Ilonggo. Si Amb. Adrian Bernie Candolada; Amb. Nina Padilla Cainglet; Amb. Noel Eugene Eusebio Servigon; and Amb. Giovanni Endencia Palec, maraming salamat po. 

Salamat po, Mr. Chair, distinguished Members of the Commission on Appointments. 

I rise in support to the motion for the confirmation and consent to the ad interim appointments and nominations of thirty-two (32) Generals/Flag Officers and Senior Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

It is a distinct honor to support these exemplary leaders who have shown their courage and commitment in defending the nation's security and sovereignty.

I am one of the many staunch advocates in the professionalization and modernization of our Armed Forces. We were given the opportunity to take part in the crafting of Republic Acts 11709 and 11939 - two (2) laws that are important for the promotion of qualified and deserving military officers to higher positions, address the revolving door policy, and instill in the AFP the culture of excellence and leadership.

Today, we are taking cognizance of the remarkable performances. and accomplishments of these Officers who have dedicated their lives in defending our nation and protecting our people. They perform critical roles, as our military continues to strengthen its capability and warfighting functions, in view of the existing and emerging threats in the pursuit of national peace and development.

Mr. Chair, with all sincerity, humility, and pride, allow me to mention classmates who belong to PMA "Bantay Laya" Class of 1994, and also fellow kababayan from Western Visayas. I would like to start with:

1. Commodore Felipe F. Bautista - Cyber Warfare, Budget, Fiscal and Finance Specialist, and an Educator

2. BGen Ferdinand L.. Marcelino, serves as the 44th Provost Marshal General of the Armed Forces of the Philippines

Prior to his current designation, he was the Commander of the Special Intelligence Force of our Armed Forces. responsible for so many successful operations of the AFP. He was also in charge of providing intelligence concerning counter terrorism, counter narcotics, anti-organized crime, and counter insurgency in support of law enforcement operations.

3. BGen Roy Anthony O. Derilo, serves as the Defense and Armed Forces Attaché and currently the Army Attaché of the Philippines to the United States

4. BGen Darwin F. Hernandez, currently the Commander of the 54th Engineering Brigade, Philippine Army, based in Zamboanga City

5. Commodore Emilio G. Orio Jr. is a proficient naval aviator, a seasoned Surface Warfare Officer, and an exemplary strategic planner

6. BGen Jamel P. Samonte is currently the Commander of the Army Signal Regiment.

This year, he was conferred with a Silver Wing Medal for his participation in the aerial flight and sustained operational activities in the West Philippine Sea and in visiting the Pag-asa Terminal Station and Kalayaan Island Group

7. Lt. Gen. Luis Rex D, Bergante is the Commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command; Commo. Francisco Tagamolila, the Commander of the Naval Forces of Western Mindanao; and Brig. Gen. Romulus Joseph Canieso, number one in the linear list of seniority.

To our appointees and nominees, you will be called time and again to serve our country and protect our people.

Securing and protecting the integrity of the national territory will be a continuing concem. In recent months, Chinese. aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea have been intensified.

You will be called upon to combat terrorism which is inimical and dangerous to the country and safety of our people.

You will be needed during times of natural calamities and epidemics.

You will have to continuously equip yourselves with the new skills and knowledge amidst the evolving character of warfare brought by technological advancements and information technology.

You will play a role in mutual defense cooperation which is important not only during times of war but also equally in times of peace to provide mechanisms for sustained partnership and constructive engagement.

And last but not the least, you will be instrumental in the pursuit of the AFP's Modernization Program and the country's Self Reliant Defense Posture Program.

Hindi po matatawaran ang inyong sakrispisyo at serbisyo sa ating bayan. Nawa'y maging inspirasyon kayo ng kagitingan, pag-asa, at pagkakaisa.

Maraming salamat po, mabuhay po kayong lahat!

“Mr. Chair, distinguished Members of the Commission on Appointments, I rise to second the motion for the consent of two (2) nominations and confirmation of nineteen (19) ad interim appointments of Foreign Service Officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs. 

These remarkable men and women embody the spirit of dedication, integrity, and resilience that marks the foreign service of our nation. They have devoted the best years of their careers in the implementation of the three (3) fundamental pillars of Philippine foreign policy: (1) preservation and enhancement of national security; (2) promotion and attainment of economic security; and (3) protection of the rights and promotion of the welfare and interest of Filipinos overseas. 

To our nominees and appointees, sa inyo nakaatang ang mahalagang responsibilidad na itaguyod ang interes ng Pilipinas sa pandaigdigang relasyon: 

• Your role is important in promoting peace and security, expanding trade, and building a sustainable future between the Philippines and its bilateral partners; 

• You will deal with a wide range of global challenges and security issues while working with international actors in search of solutions; 

• Huwag ninyong pababayaan ang ating mga kababayang Pilipino, lalo na ang ating mga OFWs. Sa panahon ng kagipitan, kayo ang kanilang magiging takbuhan upang itaguyod ang kanilang mga karapatan at bigyang lunas ang kanilang mga karaingan; and, 

• Lastly, you must be firm in espousing the Philippine sovereignty and sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea, and rally upon to create understanding and collaboration as the Philippines continues to promote a rule-based international order based on the arbitral ruling.

Again, my sincerest congratulations and may you continue to demonstrate fortitude as you embark on your new postings.”