THE AFP IN 2005

           Like any other common Filipinos, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also welcomed the New Year with a lot of hope and optimism. With the tumultuous year the organization had in 2004 rocked by allegations of graft and corruptions and other irregularities committed by its members, the AFP has set its sight for a major transformation in 2005.

           Right after being appointed as AFP Chief of Staff, Gen Efren L Abu immediately embarked on these significant reforms as part of his vision to reinvigorate the trust and credibility of the organization. He set his sight to accomplish this goal in 2005. Charges were immediately filed against military officials suspected to have erred in military court and Sandiganbayan. These cases filed are expected to be the measuring stick of the AFP on how determined it is to eradicate corruption within its ranks.

           The streamlining of several GHQ Staffs that have overlapping and interralated functions, continuing improvement of the procurement system, cost cutting measures, career management and etc ... are expected to be a continuing thrust of the AFP for this year. It is therefore imperative that continuing reforms and organizational transformation remain as key elements in enhancing the capability of the AFP to perform its mandate. So sincerity and teamwork is essential to success.

           On the other hand, with the neutralization of several key figures of Abu Sayaff Group (ASG) and Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) from last year and the dwindling strenght of the CPP/NPA, the war against terrorism is expected to continue to gain ground this year, as more joint military exercises is expected to take place and more war materiel and funds are expected to come from allied countries. While we expect that most of these reforms implemented are likely to affect the organizational structure of the military, these are important changes long overdue. In the long run it will be the soldiers and the Filipino people who would benefit in the end.