The Philippine Air Force (PAF) announced it is reviewing its policies on the conferment of awards and the wearing of honorary badges and insignias by reservists, following public scrutiny over military decorations recently worn by former 1-Pacman party-list representative Michael “Mikee” Romero.
The review comes after retired military officers raised questions on social media regarding the medals and decorations worn by Romero, a brigadier general in the PAF Reserve Force and commander of the 2nd Air Force Wing Reserve, during a Commission on Appointments hearing last week.
“The Philippine Air Force acknowledges the public interest regarding the military service and recognitions of Brigadier General Michael Odylon L. Romero PAF (Res),” PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Christina Basco said in a statement.
Basco noted that while all military statuses, assignments, and recognitions are reflected in official Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) records, the service branch is taking steps to re-examine current guidelines for reservists in coordination with the Army and Navy.
“In response to the concerns raised, the Reserve Command, PAF is reviewing existing policies on the conferment of awards and the authorization to wear honorary badges and insignia by reservists,” Basco said, emphasizing that all awards worn with a uniform “must be supported by appropriate General Orders or official documentation specifying the nature and basis of the individual’s contribution or service.”
“The Reserve Command, PAF, in coordination with the other Major Services of the AFP, will review and strengthen existing policies to ensure proper documentation, adherence to established protocols and the integrity of the military awards and recognition system,” she added.
Romero defended his decorations, maintaining that all honors conferred upon him were legitimate and unsolicited.
“Regarding my rank, appointments, and awards within the Reserve Force: every recognition and distinction awarded to me was conferred unsolicited by the respective service branches and commands based on official merit,” Romero said in a statement. “All recognition and awards were given voluntarily based on my service. I never asked for or begged for them.”
Romero added that he has never claimed any distinction unsupported by official files, stating, “I let the work, the official documents and the service records speak for themselves.”
The former lawmaker highlighted his legislative and humanitarian contributions to the military, citing his co-authorship of the 2018 AFP Salary Standardization Measures, assistance in facilitating the acquisition of three C-130 aircraft for the PAFcand leadership in relief missions reaching remote military outposts such as Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea and Mavulis Island in Batanes.