The Armed Forces of the Philippines is willing to accept Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman, the first transgender woman elected to the House of Representatives, as a reservist.
“In taking in applicants to the AFP whether in regular or reservist force, we do not discriminate with respect to gender,” AFP Public Affairs Office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said.
The AFP’s ongoing gender and development program guarantees that, Arevalo stressed.
“As such, the AFP welcomes the express interest of Rep. Roman. We highly value the patriotism of our citizens and will work to cultivate this. She will be a welcome addition to the Reservists Force,” he added.
And before accepting and training prospective members, Arevalo said the AFP inculcates on them that they are entering an institution placed in high esteem.
“As such, we admonish them to maintain the dignity of the uniform; observe discipline, propriety, and decorum; and measure up to the steep standards of the service. Else, they have no room in this noble profession of arms,” he added.
Arevalo admitted that this is the first time that they have this situation concerning a prospective applicant and that the AFP will have to go by the gender of the applicant as reflected in the Certificate of Live Birth.
(Francis T. Wakefield)