The weight of a medal
A military medal is a public record of service. Every ribbon needs a lawful order and verified act. When doubt reaches the uniform, silence deepens the damage.
The controversy over retired Philippine Air Force (PAF) reservist Brig. Gen. Michael “Mikee” Romero demands facts, not frenzy. Social media posts identified one ribbon as a Gold Cross Medal. Romero denied ever receiving one. He identified the ribbon as the Gawad sa Kapayapaan, awarded, he said, for helping fund three C-130 aircraft in Congress.
Documentation, not volume, must decide.
The Commission on Appointments confirmed Romero’s promotion on Aug. 13. Six days later, the PAF relieved him as wing commander and his resignation from the Armed Forces of the Philippines Reserve Force took effect. Investigators are reviewing records, orders, and promotion boards. As of Aug. 22, no published finding had declared his awards fraudulent.
The Navy distinctions require equal rigor. Reports show that General Orders No. 181 covered his Naval Aviator Wings, Command-at-Sea Badge, and Surface Warfare Badge, citing support for naval aviation and Navy-Air Force interoperability. Authenticate those records.
The PAF should publish a nonclassified summary stating each award, order, approving authority, citation, and governing rule. Review honorary qualifications and promotion boards. Resignation must not erase the inquiry.
The standard already exists. The AFP’s core values are “Honor, Service, Patriotism.” The Philippine Military Academy’s motto is “Courage, Loyalty and Integrity.” Its core values begin with “Selfless service to God and Country.” Such words demand accurate records, lawful decisions, and consequences for proven misconduct.
The Philippine Bar Association, which I once led, has championed the rule of law since 1891. Military honor carries the same command: no rank above law.
The Constitution places civilian authority above the military and names the AFP protector of the people and the State. Civilian supremacy is absolute. The military becomes a beacon through constitutional obedience, political neutrality, competent procurement, and clean administration. Never through intervention in politics.
Civilian government supplies ample warnings. In Belgica v. Ochoa, the Supreme Court struck down the 2013 Priority Development Assistance Fund and post-enactment legislative intervention. In 2025, Sen. Panfilo Lacson flagged P51.82 billion in “vague” entries in the proposed 2026 budget. Investigators also reviewed 9,855 flood control projects worth over P545 billion. By June 2026, the Ombudsman had 209 related complaints under fact-finding review and four cases in court.
Public distrust is measurable. In December 2025, Pulse Asia found 94 percent of adults saw government corruption as widespread, while 74 percent believed corruption had increased. In March, corruption ranked among the leading reasons for presidential distrust. By July, 43 percent counted fighting graft among the country’s most urgent concerns.
Confidence in the military runs higher. An AFP-commissioned poll conducted in March gave the AFP 72 percent trust and 11 percent distrust. The direction is plain. Citizens seek discipline and proof where politics offers scandal.
Yet higher trust creates no mandate to govern. The barracks must never replace the ballot. The AFP should stand as a model, not a rival sovereign, through clean administration, constitutional restraint, and fidelity to the law.
The AFP possesses no immunity from graft. In 2022, the Sandiganbayan convicted former military comptroller retired Maj. Gen. Carlos Garcia of direct bribery and facilitating money laundering. Prison terms reached 14 years and fines exceeded P407 million. Prosecutors traced his gains to commissions, gifts, and contract kickbacks. Rank offered no shield.
Confidential funds follow the same rule. Joint Circular No. 2015-01 governs their release, use, reporting, and audit. The impeachment trial examines allegations involving P612.5 million received by the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education. Vice President Sara Duterte denies wrongdoing. Evidence must decide.
Secrecy protects legitimate operations, not unlawful expenditure. Authority, custody, purpose, liquidation, and audit remain governed by law.
Romero deserves due process. Soldiers who earned distinctions under danger deserve rigor. The public deserves a verified record.
Our calls are thus as clear as day: Finish the investigation. Release the nonclassified findings. Correct false claims. Sanction proven violations. Repair flawed policies.
Resignation removed one officer from command. Public accountability stayed behind.
—————-
Atty. Rico V. Domingo chairs the Movement Against Disinformation and is a former president of the Philippine Bar Association. He is also a member of the University of the Philippines Vanguard, Inc. and the son of a World War II veteran who retired as an AFP colonel and served as a pioneering member of the elite Scout Rangers.
Pagcor’s P87-billion target: The fiscal logic of gambling