This early, there are already misconceptions about the proposed reforms in the retirement system of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, especially among those who are retiring or have a few years left in military service. There are fears that they would receive lesser benefits as a result of the changes.
But the new system would only apply to incoming soldiers and not to those already in service. Even incoming soldiers need not worry because there is still no official stand on the matter, and affected parties would still be consulted before the proposal becomes final. What is needed right now is to intensify the information campaigns on the matter so that those concerned will not get the wrong ideas.
There will always be pros and cons on any issue. But the bottom line here is to arrive at the most practical and feasible reform that would be acceptable to every man in uniform. Also, I believe there is no rush for the abrupt changes. Minor ones perhaps, like serving for 30 years at the most; and the deserving, highly skilled, promising and capable can even serve a few years more. But this is my point of view, thoughts coming from a concerned citizen who value the works and sacrifices soldiers do for the sake of us all.
—ZEF QUINTOS, zefquintos@yahoo.com