Army reiterates commitment to Code of Ethics

SOLDIERS of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) swore anew their allegiance to the AFP Code of Ethics during the oath taking of the the 21st anniversary of AFP.

The anniversary commemorates the ratification and promulgation of the AFP Code of Ethics and the creation of the Office of Ethical Standards and Public Accountability (OESPA).

The highlights of the said celebration were the readings of messages by Lieutenant General Emmanuel Bautista of the Philippine Army (CGPA), General Jessie Dellosa, Chief of Staff of the AFP (CSAFP), and the oath-taking of adherence to the AFP Code of Ethics by all military personnel.

In his message which was read by Colonel Wilson Leyva, 3ID Chief of Staff, Bautista conveyed that the Army has recognized the imperative of abiding by the service ethics and professional standards to ensure that all members shall exercise accountability in all actions.

“In our current thrusts, OESPA remains a beacon of the command’s desire to epitomize public accountability and good governance in response to President Aquino’s social contract with the people and his commitment to march the nation toward the righteous path,” Bautista said.

“Let us, thus, perform our duties with the highest standards of accountability so that we can exemplify the ethical norms of a professional and righteous public service institution,” Bautista added in his message.

Bautista also challenged each personnel to be a dynamic advocate of the excellent and honorable service that OESPA has been championing over the years.

On the part of CSAFP read by Major General Jose Mabanta Jr., 3ID Commander, he called on all AFP members to always abide by the overarching requirements of respect for human rights, humanitarian law and rules of engagement and live by the AFP core values of Valor, Honor, Loyalty, Solidarity and Love of Country.

Dellosa said they have surpassed all the struggles because of their perseverance in showing the public that they are trustworthy.

OESPA’s mission is to “enhance professionalism, promote honesty and integrity in the military service, instill ethical standards and inculcate a strong sense of public accountability among military and civilian personnel in the pursuit of a common commitment against graft and corruption in the AFP. (Teresa D. Ellera)