Marines to have better representation as independent service

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 3): Marines to have better representation as independent service

Once the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) is formally transformed into an independent service, it will have more representation in higher military headquarters and clout in the acquisition of modern equipment.

This was emphasized by PMC Commandant Major Gen. Alvin Parreño said in an interview with PTV-4 Monday.

"Number 1 is the representation to higher headquarters. Number 2, is the (acquisition) of equipment in modernization, those are the first concerns namin kasi the people in the front line(s) are in need of those equipment," he said when asked on the possible advantages on the turning the PMC into an independent service.

Parreño also reiterated that he strongly supports calls to make the Marines an independent service as this is the sentiment of the officers and enlisted personnel under him.

"Definitely we are in favor and (this is) the clamor of every Marine deployed in many areas and I as their representative, it is my duty to express kung anuman ang (whatever) sentiment ng mga tao (of the people) under me," he added.

Earlier, House of Representatives Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas filed a bill seeking to institutionalize the PMC as a distinct and autonomous arm of the military.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1030667