PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has suspended the military’s plan to remove an Army officer who lost his sight in the line of duty, directing the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to retain him in the service and promote him instead.
In a video message, Marcos said he had seen the social media post of Army Capt. Jerome Jacuba, who earlier announced he was set for Complete Disability Discharge (CDD) after being blinded by a bomb explosion during an operation.
The President said it would be unjust to simply terminate an officer who had risked and lost his eyesight while performing his duty to defend the country.
“Ito ay isang opisyal na itinaya ang buhay para ipagtanggol ang Pilipinas, at dahil sa ganyan ay basta na lang bibitawan natin. Hindi naman yata makatarungan ‘yan,” Marcos said.
He announced that he had ordered AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. to suspend Jacuba’s discharge and elevate his rank from captain to major in recognition of his courage and service.
Marcos also directed the Department of National Defense to review existing CDD policies and craft reforms “as soon as possible” to ensure that injured soldiers are treated fairly.
At the same time, the President instructed Brawner to identify a post where Jacuba can continue serving, saying the officer’s 15 years of experience remain valuable despite his disability.
“Ito ay para sa lahat ng ating mga sundalo na dahil sa duty nila sila ay nasaktan, sila ay nagka-injury, ay dapat na patuloy din ang ating pagkilala sa kanilang katapangan at sa kanilang sakripisyo,” Marcos said. “Kaya’t ito ang pagbabagong gagawin natin.”
