MANILA – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. administered the oath to 29 newly promoted generals and flag officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Batch 2 and 14 graduates of Foreign Pre-Commissioned Training Institutions (FPCTI) during a ceremony at Malacañang Palace on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. In his address, Marcos urged the officers to remain steadfast in their loyalty to the Republic, uphold integrity amid complex threats, and serve as exemplars in the AFP’s modernization drive.
The President emphasized the evolving security landscape: “Your role extends beyond traditional defense—you must counter domestic threats that sow confusion and division, while strengthening our external posture.” He highlighted recent achievements like the Combined Coordination Center with the US Indo-Pacific Command and Joint Exercise DAGIT-PA, praising the AFP’s disaster response and election security preparations.
Marcos congratulated the promotees and FPCTI graduates—who trained at allied academies in the US, Japan, and Australia—calling them “torchbearers” for the next generation. “Carry the core values of honor and integrity; your promotions are not just ranks but greater responsibility to protect every Filipino,” he said.
The event, attended by AFP Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner and service commanders, underscores Marcos’ focus on professionalizing the military amid regional tensions and internal reforms.
For the AFP’s rising leaders, the oath isn’t ceremony—it’s covenant, renewing commitment to a sovereign, secure Philippines in uncertain times.
Ceremony Snapshot:
| Category | Number Promoted/Graduated | Key Note |
|---|---|---|
| Generals/Flag Officers | 29 | Batch 2 promotions |
| FPCTI Graduates | 14 | Second Lieutenants/Ensigns from allied training |