QUEZON CITY, June 28 (PIA)--President Benigno S. Aquino III yesterday addressed the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) one last time as commander-in-chief.
Speaking at the AFP’s testimonial parade at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, Aquino thanked the men and women who’ve served under the defense department and the military, particularly those who worked closest to him.
He thanked members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) and his aide-de-camp, who have helped him fulfill his job for the last six years.
“Sa mga bumubuo ng PSG: Sa bawat hakbang sa Daang Matuwid, naging panatag ang loob ko, dahil nariyan kayo at laging nagpapamalas ng propesyunalismo, at maayos na pakikipag-ugnayan sa atin pong security forces,” Aquino said.
During the ceremony, Aquino conferred the Medal of Merit onto several officers who worked closely with him throughout his presidency:
Major Xavier C. Celestial - For his composition of the Presidential March;
Lieutenant Bryner R. Las - For his service as junior military aide de camp (JADC);
Major James Erasmus F. Cagni - For his service as JADC;
Lieutenant Colonel Justino T. Ramolete - For his service as senior military assistant to the President;
Rear Admiral Raul R. Ubando - For his service as former Senior Military Assistant to the President and for his service as group commander of the PSG
Aquino said, Ubando, in particular, ensured the President’s safety during their trips to monitor the Zamboanga siege, the powerful earthquake that struck Bohol and Cebu, and the Yolanda tragedy, which all happened in 2013.
Aquino added how Ubando also led preparations for the state visit of US President Barack Obama and Pope Francis, as well as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings in 2015.
Meanwhile, Aquino also thanked his aide-de-camp, for always being on top of things, even when it means having to fix what is left of his hair.
“Siguro, ang iniisip ng iba, ang sarap ng buhay maging aide ng Pangulo. Ang di po alam ng marami, sila ang katapat at unang tagasalo ng stress, at pati na minsan, ng init ng ating ulo,” Aquino said.
“Alam ho ninyo ultimo kung minsan pati ayos ng barong, pati kung magulo po ang natitira nating buhok, kailangan din nilang asikasuhin. Kung patong-patong ang iniisip ko, talagang sila ang karamay ko,” the chief executive added.
He said his close aides will now be able to enjoy their lives with their families as he steps down from the presidency on noon of June 30, Thursday. (PIA-NCR/RJB/SDL)
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