'Gov't must serve with integrity to rise above adversities'

As his administration grapples with political issues, President Marcos has highlighted the need for the government to serve with integrity and to work more vigorously in creating a united, just and peaceful country.

- ALEXIS ROMERO

Speaking during the Army's 128th anniversary celebration yesterday at Fort Bonifacio, Marcos said efforts to enhance the skills and promote the welfare of soldiers form part of a broader vision of a nation where Filipinos no longer need to worry about their safety.

"When peace and order are in place, we can pursue knowledge, we can work towards prosperity and we can contribute to our country's progress," the President said.

"To achieve this, the government must lead by example. We strive for a government that listens, that acts and serves with integrity.

That is the only way to rise above adversities and move forward as a people," he added.

Noting the emergence of more complex

threats, Marcos said being a soldier requires not just courage and skills, but also a firm resolve and a willingness to serve.

"What is needed is a stance that will not waver in the face of trials, a principle that cannot be bent by fear and a heart that is ready to serve faithfully without waiting for anything in return," he said.

"In any institution, a rank or power is not enough. The true measure is the readiness to set aside one's personal interests for a higher aim. Even if we play different roles, our goal to form a united, just and truly peaceful country must prevail." According to Marcos, public servants choose to serve not for themselves but for "the countless generations that will come after us." Marcos emphasized the need for unity as the Philippines is gripped with politícal discord arising from the arrest of his critic, former president Rodrigo Duterte, for alleged crimes against humanity.

Duterte, whose campaign against illegal drugs left thousands dead, is now under the custody of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.