AFP General Headquarters (GHQ) Grandstand
Camp Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City
18 July 2014

President Benigno S. Aquino III was the guest of honor at the Testimonial Review in honor of outgoing Chief-of-Staff General Emmanuel T. Bautista of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) during the Change of Command ceremony held at the AFP General Headquarters Grandstand in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

In his speech, President Aquino personally expressed his appreciation to the outstanding services provided by the Chief-of-Staff during his leadership. The President hailed General Bautista’s performance in the span of 18 months despite numerous trials that the country experienced in the year 2013.

The Commander-in-Chief also acknowledged General Bautista’s humility despite being the AFP’s chief, thus earning his well-known title, “Manny Sundalo.” Within his term, the AFP started to go through a transformation roadmap — a fifteen-year strategy that aims to transform the AFP into a strong and credible institution built on good governance.

The President also announced the procurement of 50,629 units of M4 caliber 5.56 mm rifles which were bought at almost half of its original price.

Simultaneously, President Aquino welcomed Lieutenant General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr as the new AFP Chief-of-Staff.  He expressed confidence towards Lt. Gen. Catapang’s capabilities that he is well-known for since the days of the EDSA People Power Revolution.

In the near future, the President and the AFP envisions the Philippines as a nation having a world-class armed forces, a source of national pride.

“Patibayin pa natin ang puwersa ng Sandatahang Lakas, at ang ating pagkakaisa sa tuwid na landas. Itutok lang natin ang serbisyo sa mas nakakarami, at pihadong makikinabang sa benepisyo nito maging ang susunod na henerasyon ng Pilipino,” President Aquino said in closing.

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