Tag: Cirilito Sobejana

Senate Resolutions, Statements, Videos

Lacson Ensures ‘Lower-Ranking’ Soldiers in Indo Fishers’ Rescue are Equally Recognized

More than the commanders, the soldiers on the ground who risked their lives deserve to be honored.

Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson stressed this as he pushed for the inclusion of more than 50 soldiers’ names in a resolution citing Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and former Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Cirilito Sobejana for the rescue of Indonesian fishermen from the Abu Sayyaf in December 2019.

“Praise the commanders to high heavens if we must; just don’t forget the soldiers who literally risked their lives to make the feat happen,” Lacson, who heads the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, said on his Twitter account Monday afternoon.

Related: Deserve! Papugay Para sa mga Sundalong Nagsugal ng Buhay Para Sagipin ang Indo Fishers sa Abu Sayyaf, Tiniyak ni Lacson
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Sponsorship Speeches, Videos

Co-Sponsorship Speech at the Commission on Appointments

Mr. Chairman, it is my honor and privilege to second the motion of the distinguished committee chairman from the great province of Cavite for the confirmation of AFP Brigadier General Henry Doyaoen’s promotion to the rank of Major General – but likewise to raise a significant point which is relevant to the nominee’s confirmation today.

Exactly one year from today or on 17 May 2022, Brig. Gen. Doyaoen is due for compulsory retirement in accordance with Presidential Decrees 1638 and 1650. Any delay in the confirmation of his nomination later than today would disqualify him from being promoted to the next high rank of Major General, in so far as the provision of Section 4, Republic Act 8186 is concerned, which states that – let me quote for the record, “except for the Chief of Staff of the AFP, no officer shall be assigned/designated to the aforementioned position – the word aforementioned hereby refers to the positions of Vice Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, and major service commanders – or promoted to the rank of Brigadier General/Commodore or higher if he has less than one (1) year of active service remaining prior to compulsory retirement.”

There is no doubt in my mind that Brig. Gen. Doyaoen, a decorated and battle-seasoned military officer for 33 long years, has exemplified competence and commitment to duty worthy of the AFP’s higher echelon of command. Our committee meeting earlier today merely affirmed his good credentials. Thus we decide to recommend to the plenary his confirmation in accordance with what the law and the Constitution so provide.

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Radio, Statements

Lacson: AFP to Do Better vs Terrorism, Insurgency with New Chief’s Policies
Image courtesy: AFP Facebook page

With its new chief’s instructions to exercise due diligence, the Armed Forces of the Philippines should do better against the threats of terrorism and insurgency, Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson said Saturday.

Lacson said he is hopeful that with new AFP chief of staff Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana’s emphasis on tact and sensitivity, there will be no repeat of the recent gaffes especially in anti-insurgency efforts.

“I just hope Lt. Gen. Sobejana’s initial pronouncements will serve as the policy guideline for the AFP,” he said in an interview on DWIZ radio.

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