MANILA, Philippines 鈥� Soldiers must not only display courage and skill but also the willingness to set aside their interests for the country鈥檚 greater good, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Saturday as the Philippine Army marked its 128th anniversary.听听
鈥淪a panahon ngayon, hindi sapat ang tapang at husay ng isang sundalo. Kinakailangan听 ang [paninindigang] hindi natitinag sa harap ng pagsubok, ang prinsipyong hindi nababaluktot ng takot o pangamba, at ang pusong laging handa maglingkod nang tapat at walang hinihintay na kapalit,鈥� Marcos said.听
(In today鈥檚 world, courage and skill are not enough for a soldier. What is needed is steadfastness in the face of trial, a principle that is not bent by fear or apprehension, and a heart that is always ready to serve faithfully and without expecting anything in return.)
鈥淪a anumang institusyon, hindi sapat ang ranggo o kapangyarihan. Ang tunay na sukatan ay ang kahandaan na isantabi ang sariling interes para [sa] mas mataas na layunin. Bagama鈥檛 iba-iba tayo ng papel na ginagampanan, dapat mangibabaw ang ating adhikaing bumuo ng mas nagkakaisa, mas makatarungan, at tunay na mapayapang bansa,鈥� he added.听
(In any institution, rank or power is not enough. The true measure is the willingness to put aside self-interest for the greater good. Although we play different roles, our goal must prevail to build a more united, more just, and truly peaceful nation.)
鈥淎s we mark the 128th founding anniversary, we are again reminded why we choose to serve. We do it not for ourselves, but also for the countless generations that will come after us,鈥� he added.听
The President also noted that the government must lead by example, strive to listen, and serve with integrity to 鈥渞ise above adversities and move forward as a people.鈥�
鈥淲hen peace and order are in place, we can pursue knowledge, we can work towards prosperity, and we can contribute to our country鈥檚 progress,鈥� Marcos said.听
鈥淭o achieve this, the government must lead by example. We strive for a government that listens, that acts and serves with integrity. That is the only way to rise above adversities and move forward as a people,鈥� he added.听
Among the issues currently faced by the government are the controversies surrounding the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte last March 11.听
Reports on military resignations circulated online after this, which the Armed Forces of the Philippines already dismissed.听
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On March 13, Philippine Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala issued a statement, saying they had not received any report of soldiers resigning.
鈥淚f these reports are from social media then we will not believe it. But currently, we have not received reports of actual soldiers of the Philippine Army resigning,鈥� he said.
Dema-ala said the Army remains in high morale and remains a professional organization focused on its mandate.
鈥淲e are facing other problems here in the Philippine Army so we are focused on our mandate,鈥� he stressed, adding that there is no need for a loyalty check.