After President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed him as the new Department of Defense (DND) chief, Gilbert Teodoro said on Wednesday that he would prioritize reforms in the military and other uniformed personnel (MUP) pension system.
In an interview with DZRH’s Dos Por Dos, Teodoro mentioned that the first marching order that Marcos told him to prioritize was to analyze the MUP reforms and focus on resolving issues that concern the pension of retired and active personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
"Ang first marching order niya sa akin ay pag-aralang mabuti ang MUP reforms na gusto ng ating Pangulo. Marami nang trabaho ang na-invest ni Sec. Galvez. Ang aking gusto ay ipagpatuloy 'yan," he said.
Teodoro further stated that they have already tackled national defense, to which he could contribute more, particularly in the areas that needed massive cooperation.
"Napag-usapan lang namin na doon [national defense] ko siya best matutulungan, lalo na sa isyung kailangan ng matinding kooperasyon," he explained.
He also said that it is important that the people learn that it is not only about the national defense but also the civil defense.
Teodoro added that part of his role is to ensure that affected AFP officers properly understand the government's policies.
While noting the progress that has already been made, he highlighted that his responsibility is to expand on and amplify the message, ensuring that it reaches all military members efficiently.
Meanwhile, Galvez released a statement in April assuring active and retired military personnel that proposed MUP reforms are being thoroughly researched for their benefit.
