Only
in the Philippines! So what’s this fuss all about?
FILIPINOS
idolize Manny “PacMan” Pacquiao for his accomplishments in
boxing, but giving him the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Army’s
Reserve Force is a mistake. The rank does not add to Pacquiao’s
prestige. In the world of boxing, he is already a legend for being
the first to win eight title belts in as many weight divisions and
for earning the moniker Best Pound-for-Pound Fighter. Outside boxing,
his rags-to-riches story and election to Congress inspire Filipinos
and many others around the globe. Being addressed as lieutenant
colonel does not enhance Pacquaio’s image. On the contrary, the
controversy surrounding it tarnishes his reputation.
The military officials who arranged the conferment did Pacquiao no favors in catapulting him from senior master sergeant. They were also splitting hairs in explaining that the new rank was an “appointment” rather than a “promotion.” Clearly, the military officials meant to say that the rank given was honorary. The problem is the Philippine military has no honorary ranks or titles.
The military also said that the “appointment” was more appropriate for a legislator. And perhaps they considered the precedent that was set by Sen. Lito Lapid, who was given the undeserved rank of major even though he did not graduate from college. It might interest people to know, however, that in the United Kingdom, where military tradition runs deep, not even royalty would rank as high as Pacquiao. Instead, the royals who join the military there are commissioned as lieutenant or captain. But even in that case, the royals had to work for their commission—as did most of the Philippine legislators who were given an officer’s rank by earning a master’s degree from the National Defense College.
Worse, the conferment of the new rank on Pacquiao may have a sinister motive. The appointment shows that the generals are politicking—bestowing honors and titles on politicians in return for favors in the future. This is not without precedence either as evidenced from the practice of “adopting” rising political stars by graduates of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA).
Even if the sinister plot can be dismissed as mere adulation, the conferment still cheapens the military. Regular soldiers earn their so-called stripes. A rank not only represents an officer’s place on the military hierarchy, but it also recognition of merit earned through years of training, educational attainment, and leadership experience.
We urge President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino 3rd, as Commander in Chief, to revoke the “appointment.” Admittedly, that seems unlikely, since the Palace has been defending the move. So the only hope for decency may lie with Pacquiao himself. He should politely turn down the military appointment. At the very least, it is the honorable thing to do.
The military officials who arranged the conferment did Pacquiao no favors in catapulting him from senior master sergeant. They were also splitting hairs in explaining that the new rank was an “appointment” rather than a “promotion.” Clearly, the military officials meant to say that the rank given was honorary. The problem is the Philippine military has no honorary ranks or titles.
The military also said that the “appointment” was more appropriate for a legislator. And perhaps they considered the precedent that was set by Sen. Lito Lapid, who was given the undeserved rank of major even though he did not graduate from college. It might interest people to know, however, that in the United Kingdom, where military tradition runs deep, not even royalty would rank as high as Pacquiao. Instead, the royals who join the military there are commissioned as lieutenant or captain. But even in that case, the royals had to work for their commission—as did most of the Philippine legislators who were given an officer’s rank by earning a master’s degree from the National Defense College.
Worse, the conferment of the new rank on Pacquiao may have a sinister motive. The appointment shows that the generals are politicking—bestowing honors and titles on politicians in return for favors in the future. This is not without precedence either as evidenced from the practice of “adopting” rising political stars by graduates of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA).
Even if the sinister plot can be dismissed as mere adulation, the conferment still cheapens the military. Regular soldiers earn their so-called stripes. A rank not only represents an officer’s place on the military hierarchy, but it also recognition of merit earned through years of training, educational attainment, and leadership experience.
We urge President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino 3rd, as Commander in Chief, to revoke the “appointment.” Admittedly, that seems unlikely, since the Palace has been defending the move. So the only hope for decency may lie with Pacquiao himself. He should politely turn down the military appointment. At the very least, it is the honorable thing to do.
Naw
yu nuw! If not for the “Major Lito Lapid” precedence, there might
not be “LtCol Pacquiao” to talk about in the first place. Well,
who would decline a very enticing offer of free round trip fare, free
accommodation at MGM hotel, plus of course, ring side tickets for his
upcoming fight with JMM. Me? I would definitely grab it. Hell yah,
those “politicking” generals will grab it too. Get real dude!
- Malayang Filipino
Published : The Manila Times.Net Wednesday, October 19, 2011 00:00
Published : The Manila Times.Net Wednesday, October 19, 2011 00:00
In the Philippines, money talks!It can buy anything even a LTCOL rank. :)
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