By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is set to review and strengthen its rules governing military awards and honorary badges following questions raised over the decorations worn by Air Force reservist Brig. Gen. Michael Odylon Romero.
The move came after retired military officials questioned in social media posts how Romero, who is not on active duty, came to wear numerous medals, badges and other military decorations.
Romero was seen wearing the decorations during a Commission on Appointments hearing at the Senate last week, prompting allegations of “stolen valor” online.
PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Christina Basco said Monday that the Reserve Command is now reviewing its existing policies covering the conferment of awards and the authorization for reservists to wear honorary badges and insignia.
“In response to the concerns raised, the Reserve Command, PAF is reviewing existing policies on the conferment of awards and the authorization to wear honorary badges and insignia by reservists,” Basco said.
Basco stressed that medals, awards and badges displayed on military uniforms must have proper documentation establishing their legitimacy.
She said the decorations must be supported by appropriate general orders or official records detailing the nature and basis of the recipient’s contribution or military service.
The PAF, she added, will coordinate with the other major services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as it examines the existing rules.
“The Reserve Command, PAF, in coordination with the other Major Services of the AFP, will review and strengthen existing policies to ensure proper documentation, adherence to established protocols, and the integrity of the military awards and recognition system,” Basco said.
The PAF also emphasized that the military status, assignments and recognitions of its personnel are recorded in official AFP records.
“The PAF acknowledges the public interest regarding the military service and recognitions of Brig. Gen. Michael Odylon Romero PAF (Res). The PAF emphasizes that the military status, assignments, and recognitions of its personnel are reflected in official AFP records,” Basco said.
Romero, in a separate statement, defended his record of military service, saying his work as a former legislator and as a general in the AFP Reserve Force has been driven by a single objective: strengthening the military and supporting Filipino troops.
He cited his legislative work, including co-authoring the 2018 AFP Salary Standardization Measures, which he said resulted in a 58.7-percent increase in the base pay of uniformed personnel.
Romero also claimed that he helped facilitate the acquisition of three C-130J aircraft for the PAF, which he said strengthened the military’s national, humanitarian and disaster-response capabilities.
Beyond legislative work, Romero said he participated in more than 60 voluntary field engagements involving civil-military operations and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
He cited his presence in several remote and critical areas, including Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea, Mavulis and Itbavat in Batanes, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, Jolo, Dinagat Islands, Zamboanga and North Cotabato.
Romero also addressed questions surrounding his rank, appointments and military decorations.
He maintained that every recognition he received from the Reserve Force was officially conferred based on his service and merit—and that he did not seek any of the honors.
“Regarding my rank, appointments, and awards within the Reserve Force: every recognition and distinction awarded to me was conferred unsolicited by the respective service branches and commands based on official merit.”
Romero added:
“Lahat ng pagkilala at parangal ay kusang ibinigay batay sa aking paninilbihan. Kailanman ay hindi ko ito hiningi o ipinakiusap.”
The controversy has now prompted the PAF to take a closer look at the rules governing military recognition, particularly the documentation and authorization required before reservists may wear awards, badges and insignia on their uniforms.
For the Air Force, the review is aimed at ensuring that every military decoration carries not only the proper authorization but also the documentation and established protocol required to protect the integrity of the AFP’s awards and recognition system.
ia/xf
