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SP 1 - 011

ARMY
CORE PHILOSOPHY
October 2004

The information contained in this document is not to be communicated, either

directly or indirectly to any person not authorized to receive it.

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HEADQUARTERS
TRAINING AND DOCTRINE COMMAND, PHILIPPINE ARMY
Camp O’Donnell, Brgy Sta Lucia, Capas, Tarlac

FOREWORD

The Training and Doctrine Command, Philippine Army has long been
conducting training for the Army’s personnel, mostly to strengthen their
knowledge on SP 1-011 Army Core Philosophy. The demands of such
doctrine have been increasing; hence the need for comprehensive reference
material (RM) for the Army school could not be overemphasized.

We welcome the printing of this RM. This is the product of the fixing
initiatives of our newly-invigorated Doctrine Center. This is expected to benefit
the instructors and students of the Training and Doctrine Command as it
discusses the salient features of Ethics or Professionalism . More
importantly, researchers and writers of military doctrines will also find this
reference material useful. By being aware of the importance as well as the
substance of its contents, the users will be able to properly utilize and employ
them in order to exploit their useful implication in the Army’s operations.

While the concepts and guidelines embodied in this RM have been

thoroughly validated, these have been accredited by TRADOC for the use of
all Army schools. This is to be further subjected to test and evaluation prior to
the promulgation of CSAFP for widest dissemination. As such, we are
soliciting your valued inputs and insights to make it more responsive and
dynamic amidst the ever-changing operational environment.

CARLOS B HOLGANZA
Major General, AFP
Commander

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ACKNOWLEDGMENT

This reference material entitled Army Core Philosophy is an

amalgamation of related readings in military Ethics and Professionalism, most
particularly the AFP Code of Ethics; and a product of a thorough research and
study which was spearheaded by the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for
Education and Training, OG8, PA.

The accreditation of this reference material is part of the Army’s

initiative of standardizing and regulating the training literatures that will be
used by Army schools and training units.

Use of other literatures that may enhance appreciation of students on

the contents of this material shall be subject to the accreditation procedure
that will be facilitated by the Doctrine Center, Training & Doctrine Command,
Philippine Army.

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PREFACE

1. Purpose

The purpose of this reference material is to provide Army personnel a

ready reference for the conduct of instructions in military ethics and
professionalism. Unit leaders and soldiers will find this circular an invaluable
guide in facilitating the development of character of personnel and in the
establishment of a common standard of conduct in the Army.

2. Scope and Applicability

This reference material provides the readers philosophical foundation in

the shaping of attitudes and in establishing sense of identity and purpose of
Army personnel and the organization. It provides a moral framework on why
and how Army Officers, Soldiers and Civilian Employees live by the core
values and adhere to the standards of conduct in the performance of its
mission. The Army Core Philosophy applies to professional development
sessions as to the real world and is tied both to the virtues of leadership and
followership.

3. User Information

The proponent of this reference material is the PA Command and Staff

School, TRADOC. However, Doctrine Center is responsible in the review and
updating of this publication. Send comments and recommendations to
Commanding General, TRADOC, PA, Fort Magsaysay, 3130 Nueva Ecija,
Attn: Doctrine Center.

4. Gender

Unless this publication states otherwise, masculine nouns and

pronouns do not refer exclusively to men.

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CONTENTS

Foreword i
Acknowledgment iii
Preface v
Contents vii
Introduction ix
Prologue xi

Section Title Page

CHAPTER 1 – THE OPERATIONAL IMPERATIVES 1-1

CHAPTER 2 – CORE VALUES

2-1 Love of Country 2-1

2-2 Valor 2-2
2-3 Honor 2-3
2-4 Loyalty 2-4
2-5 Duty 2-5
2-6 Solidarity 2-7

CHAPTER 3 – STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

3-1 Pursuit of Excellence 3-1

3-2 Pride in Uniform 3-2
3-3 Discipline 3-3
3-4 Professionalism 3-4
3-5 Adherence to Law 3-5
3-6 Deference to Authority 3-6

CHAPTER 4 – APPLICATION 4-1

CHAPTER 5 – CONCLUSION 5-1

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INTRODUCTION

"The present role of the Philippine Army is multi-layered and expanding.

It is a professional organization that has taken on various roles beyond the
traditional functions of security and defense, to include community service and
nation building. It is working to improve its organization and capability,
seeking ways to stay true to its vision while coping with its expanding role in
contemporary Philippines."

The Philippine Army soldier is bound to his country. He is united with all
other Filipinos in having one dream, one common aspiration to better one's
self individually and as part of the collective, for the benefit of self, family,
country and society. In his army career, he is one with a bigger organization
that is protecting the country. His service is far more than a job or an ordinary
vocation; it is a noble calling, committing his life to a path of untold
dimensions, asking more of him than of any other citizen of his country.

The Philippine Army soldier is no mercenary. A strong sense of

nationalist pride pervades his every thought even if not easily seen by the
ordinary citizen. For such service also exacts utmost humility, because of the
potential strength that can be unleashed as required by the commitment to
serve the country. While such nationalism is initially nurtured in school, it is
further enhanced when one enters the service because, unlike any ordinary
Filipino, the soldier develops his own steadfast and selfless commitment to
the defense of the motherland that is continually reinforced and validated as
the soldier faces the unique challenges in his career. With belief in his country
and being true to his calling, each soldier becomes an effective combat force
in the face of new or continuing threats to both national and international
security and stability. Thus, in the face of any challenge, the Philippine Army
and its soldiers act as one. Each Filipino soldier serves an ideal larger than
himself, where even his own life is at stake. His commitment to serve is his
life's top priority, and his selfless service becomes the minimum standard of
his performance of duty. The professional soldier is part of the entire
Philippine society; yet it is more, for he holds a sacred covenant to protect that
society.

The Philippine Army is part of the established authority, and the soldier,
a part of the national identity. Administrations may pass, governments and
societies may change but the Philippine Army endures to preserve and
protect the sovereignty and integrity of the country. While the soldier is part of
society and is bound to others by strong ties of blood and friendship, and
conditioned by Philippine culture, norms and tendencies, the soldier rises
above the rest. He honors his nationalistic heritage as he takes the lead in
believing in his country, defending ideals in the arena of hearts and minds,
taking up arms when necessary, risking his life and that of his own fellow
soldiers, and even sacrificing his own to attain his mission.

The Philippine Army is totally dedicated to service to the country and

carries a Code of Values that constantly reinforces and assures that, for as

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long as this exists in the soldier, the country will remain sovereign in its own
right. Clearly, honoring the Philippine Army's core values and meeting its
exacting standards of conduct are the essence of the fulfillment of the
soldier's noble path of duty for love of his country. Each citizen in the service
of the Army, in whatever capacity, intuitively undertakes to follow value-based
rules as the necessary backbone of the overall effectiveness of the Philippine
Army.

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PROLOGUE

"Covenants without swords are but words."

Thomas Hobbes

As one joins the Philippine Army, he forges a covenant with the Divine,
his country, and his people. He submits himself to a lifetime commitment and
total sacrifice in defending and upholding national sovereignty. He takes as
his own the Philippine Army's core philosophy, and takes pride and
satisfaction in serving the nation he is sworn to protect. His guide is the
fundamental law, the Constitution that establishes the basic principles that
govern the country, with the military's express covenant to preserve the
integrity of such principles and sovereignty of the country, both as a defender
and as an agent of civil authority in nation building. This covenant may be
written in paper but must reside in the heart of every soldier and, be
exemplified in the performance of his mission.

The Philippine Army and the Soldier are united in principle. One being
symbolic of the other. In his mission, the Soldier serves the country on behalf
of the Philippine Army and therefore cannot be distinct from it. In
understanding this relationship, the soldier's identity with the Army's core
philosophy is paramount in defining the energy that guides the soldier. This is
the focus of this handbook, where we identify and explain the core values that
are fundamental to the identity of the Philippine Army and its soldiers, and
basic to all its operations. This handbook also identifies and explains the basic
norms of conduct that are expected of every person in the service of the
Philippine Army.

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CHAPTER 1
THE OPERATIONAL IMPERATIVE

“The profession of arms, as a noble calling, demands from its

members not only specialized knowledge and skills but also a distinct lifestyle
governed by a commonly held belief system containing non-negotiable
enduring core values of honor, loyalty, valor, duty and solidarity..."

AFP Code of Ethics

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) exist to conduct operations

in defense of the sovereignty and integrity of the Republic of the Philippines
and to support all initiatives for national development. Within the AFP, the
Philippine Army is the largest of the armed services and is tasked to organize,
train, equip and provide ground forces for the conduct of prompt and
sustained security operations, independently or jointly with the other armed
services, to achieve the defined mission whether in war or in peace.

The choice of committing his life to service in the Philippine Army is the
first and only choice the soldier will make on his own. Thereafter, it is his
fidelity to the core values of the Army and its standards of conduct that will
preserve the soldier's life and guide him, as he marches to the beat of the
drums reminiscent of all other soldiers in any army who have walked the path.
France's best soldier, General Charles De Gaulle recognized this when he
said:

"Men who adopt the profession of arms submit of their own free will to
a law of perpetual constraint of their own accord. They reject their right to live
where they choose, to eat what they want, to dress as they like. From the
moment they become soldiers, it needs but an order to settle them from this
place, to move them to that, to separate them from their families and dislocate
their normal lives. In the world of command, they must rise, march, run,
endure bad weather, go even without food and sleep, and be isolated in some
distant post. They cease to be the masters of their own fate. If they drop on
their tracks and their ashes are scattered in the four winds, it is part and
parcel of their job."

The Philippine Army soldier believes in the Republic of the Philippines.

This belief likewise creates a whole-hearted belief in his task, and confidence
in carrying it out for as long as it is for the welfare of the entire country. This
desire for the welfare of the country binds him with the others in the spirit of
camaraderie recognized as the brotherhood that binds comrades-in-arms. It
binds the soldier to his mission and enables the soldier to triumph over
adversity. It cuts through all ranks and captures the heart of each man
whether in command or under him, unparalleled in any civilian setting, which
also leads to responsibility in the collective tasks undertaken under command.

It is a truism that the Philippine Army soldier will follow an outstanding

commander. When properly led, the Filipino soldier is known to achieve far

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more than expected of him. Leadership is therefore an important factor in

bringing out the best conduct in the field of duty. With his solid sense of
patriotism and duty, the Filipino soldier deserves the best leader. It is
leadership that provides the purpose, direction and motivation to accomplish
the mission. Sound leadership is equally vital to the improvement of the
organization. Army leadership begins with a good foundation of values and
attributes that shape a leader's character. These values propel the Army
leader to be effective and competent in performing the mandated missions.
The Army leader is bestowed with the greater responsibility in leading the
charge, and epitomizing the finest traditions of the Philippine Army. The Army
leader not only refers to the Officer Corps but also includes the Non-
Commissioned Officer (NCO) Corps. Together, they serve as the catalyst that
effects concrete action and, in the long run, determine the fate of the whole
Philippine Army. Through their synergy, they deliver the country’s success in
any battle in all types of conflict, and pride in any activity.

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CHAPTER 2
CORE VALUES

"I want to give an example to my people that, I write not for myself nor
for my glory but for my country. Hence, I prefer truth to fame. May my
countrymen also sacrifice their passions for the welfare of the country, may
they not seek their good in honors, employments, bribes, and adulations but
in virtues that distinguish and adorn free peoples. "

Dr Jose P Rizal

The Philippine Army core philosophy focuses on values that are the
basis of the soldier's daily existence. It is the foundation of all his acts and
deeds. These are the ties that bind. With the country moving forward in nation
building, these values have shown their enduring quality and have provided
the soldier with the time-tested tools for the future.

Section 2-1 Love of Country

Foremost among these values is the soldier's unwavering love for his
country. General Gregorio Del Pilar, when writing in his diary and pondering
his fate in defense of Tirad Pass, was resolute to the end in his love for the
Philippines:

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"The General (Aguinaldo) has given me the pick of all the men that can
be spared and ordered me to defend the Pass. I realize what a terrible task
has been given to me. And yet, I feel that this is the most glorious moment of
my life. What I do is done for my beloved country. No sacrifice can be too
great.

It is the foremost nature of an Army soldier to love his country. The

country is the land of his birth, the cradle of his people. It is for the country
that a soldier willingly commits to a life of service. This is the highest value
that the Filipino soldier possesses. It is not measured by money or rank or
possessions, and it endures through him and is kept alive by those after him.
It is the energy that drives the soldier as the defender of national sovereignty.
He stands by his oath of service with a stout heart, knowing that even if he is
ultimately left standing alone or when dying in the battlefield, he rests content
with the thought that his reason for existence has been fulfilled. It is this love
of country that pervades every citation of valor for deserving soldiers, valor
that further uplifts the spirit of the nation.

Section 2-2 Valor

Valor flows naturally from one's love of country. It is the power and
strength, courage and ability to overcome fear in carrying out one's mission.
Courage is beyond bravery. It is pursuing a mission against all odds. It is
calculating but not suicidal. With courage, you do what is right. Captain
Conrado D. Yap, awardee of the Medal of Valor showed how:

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On 22 April 1951, overwhelming superior forces assaulted the

PEFTOK position resulting to the capture of Lt. Artiaga's position with many
killed, wounded or captured. Captain Yap in a desperate effort to rescue the
lost unit, ordered covering fire from the unit under his command and
personally led a counter-attack to regain the hill position and rescue the
beleaguered unit, despite receiving authority that he may withdraw. He
succeeded in recovering the body of Lt. Artiaga and three enlisted men, and
proceeded to assault an enemy fire emplacement about 800 yards away,
despite the hail of enemy fire.

It also means moral courage in continuing the fight for a principled

cause. Indeed, it was both the physical and moral courage of the Filipino
soldier, whose fierce resistance against subjugating powers in the past and
despite the enemy's superior arms and number, which defined the road map
to independence and to freedom. Such courage beyond measure exhibited by
valiant Filipinos rebelling against Spanish, American, and Japanese forces
determined the course of Philippine history and provided an important role in
shaping the Filipino soldier's identity. Even beyond valor, one could also see
the strong sense of honor that resonated with the call to arms in the past.

Section 2-3 Honor

Honor is the military's crowning value, the hallmark of military conduct,

the quality of the soldier's consciousness of personal dignity and self worth.
From prelude and campaign to the aftermath, the solider carries his honor in
meeting the military imperative:

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On 06 April 1990, Capt. Arturo B. Ortiz, as Commander of five 12-man

joint teams of SF and CAFGU elements initiated a raid against a large CT
camp of about 300 NP A rebels in hinterlands of Murcia, Negros Occidental.
Under cover of darkness, Capt. Ortiz led his troops in a grueling 11-hour
cross-country foot march and dangerously scaled a 1,000-foot steep cliff to
infiltrate the enemy territory. Disregarding personal safety, he darted from one
team to another, directing their line of fire. Risking the cross fires, rushed
towards a group of hysterical women and children and ensured their safety.
Lead his men in hot pursuit against rebels, the troops overwhelmed the
enemy and completely overran the 28-hut NP A training camp. The 2-hour
gun battle resulted in 84 terrorists killed, 8 captured, and several others
wounded. Only one was wounded on the government side.

No matter the arena, honor is respected in one's self as in the other. In

outward form, honor is seen in cleanliness of the person, courtesy in
manners, decency in daily living and prudence in the use of personal or
country resources. It shows in the candor, honesty and straightforwardness in
speech as well as in actions. When one leads an honorable life, he is
perceived of good reputation; deferred to because of his credibility and
sincerity; and emulated for his uprightness and transparency in all his
dealings. Facts are identified as facts just as one's opinions are taken for what
they are.

Honor also means integrity. Integrity is the foundation of the character

that is embedded in the soldier's thinking, feeling or doing. It is a requirement
in both leadership and esprit-de-corps. It is expected in one and sought for in
the other because it cements the bonds of professionalism between and
among commanders and the men under them. For those in positions of
authority, one leads by example especially in this respect.

Section 2-4 Loyalty

Loyalty underlies the soldier's Oath of Service. It demands obedience

to "the legal prerogatives of dilly constituted authority and functions of such
offices" in the pursuit of the nation's interests, observance of the Chain of
Command, and compliance with the orders to the best of one's ability as all
orders must be obeyed. Loyalty while itself a cause, reaps the harvest of
military unity. It fosters cohesion, sincere concern for the welfare of each
member of the Army and those they work with, and is best expressed in each
member's adherence to the military value system as herein explained, just as
he is bound to follow the rule of law and the declared policies and principles of
the country. But it must not be forgotten that soldiers must be astute and
inquisitive, and therefore the leaders must be equally prudent and enlightened
in their orders.

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Loyalty is indivisible. One cannot serve two masters and remain whole
in himself. Well did President Manuel L. Quezon state that, "My loyalty to my
party ends where my loyalty to the country begin.," for it is a continuing
allegiance, a steadfast commitment and an unwavering support of all who
serve in the military service. As the soldier follows, so the leader must
faithfully represent his subordinates' interests, deal with concerns fairly and
thoroughly, and ensure their proper training necessary to maintain his team in
combat-ready status. In turn, the loyalty of those under him comes as a matter
of course. For both leaders and subordinates, loyalty is a continuing quality
whether one is off duty or at work because as in honor, any breach thereof
instantly affects both the person and the organization. In terms of resources,
more may have to be committed to repair the damage done, which otherwise
could have been used for equally pressing needs such as equipment, training
and benefits for military personnel. Clearly, loyalty is both given and earned in
the dynamics of the army life and is continuously sustained by the expression
of the foregoing core values, through the conduct expected of a soldier.
Indeed, the soldier is perceived as much through his demeanor as his
dedication to duty, for it is the product of such diligence that armies can be
harnessed at a moment's notice and missions achieved according to the
training and preparedness of each soldier.

Section 2-5 Duty

Duty is not imposed. It derives its authority from the soldier's steadfast
commitment to the service of the country. Any civilian and any person
intending to join the military service must understand that the soldier's
dedication to the military life is incomparable to a civilian's job, for a soldier
makes himself available for duty at all times. His is not a commercial
transaction or a 0800H to 1700H job because he wills himself to put the
interest of the country and the service above all others, including his own
personal agenda. Duty is a continuous process that is cultivated by both the

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challenges faced on the job as well as the discipline in the service. Duty is
exercised in peace when in support of all legal initiatives of the civilian
authority, more so in war that may take the very life of the person himself.

While serving as Detachment Commander of Salvacion Patrol Base,

29th IB, 4th ID, during a fierce fire fight against 100 armed communist
terrorists at Barangay Salvacion, Tandag, Surigao del Sur on 30 October
1991, it was steadfastness to duty that made Staff Sergeant Roy L. Cuenca a
model soldier:

Despite being wounded, Sergeant Cuenca ferociously fought the

enemy, rallied his men and ordered strict adherence to fire discipline to
conserve ammunition. Staff Sergeant Cuenca repeatedly repulsed and
subdued the enemy's continued attempts to overrun their detachment.
Although outnumbered, he was able to hold his ground for almost three (3)
hours of heavy firefight and was able to repel the enemy that caused them to
withdraw, leaving behind nine (9) dead bodies.

The exacting standard of duty also requires that those in command

positions discharge their responsibilities to the fullest, making the care and
interests of their subordinates of paramount concern within the constraints of
discipline, to elicit the high level of commitment that the service deserves.

Incorporating the core values means exhibiting conduct in accordance

therewith. Military stature is the Army's brand image.
Any conduct undermining the Chain of Command, the military uniform,
and the soldier is degrading to the profession and damaging to the morale.
Every act in accord with the Philippine Army core philosophy, as explained
herein, is unifying for both the organization as well as the country because of
the stability that ensues from such perception. Indeed, the solidarity of the

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organization has been continually tested throughout the years and even more
so because of the socio-political individualized interests that compete for
national support.

Section 2-6 Solidarity

Solidarity within the organization is the Army's benchmark for action,

growth, and resilience as it protects the country and nurtures its development.
With the internalization by the soldier of all the core values herein and the
ensuing self-discipline and confidence that follows, solidarity with the
organization is achieved. Solidarity is also as much a manifestation of sound
leadership as it is the expression of a soldier's solid commitment to the
service. It is solidarity that powers the smallest unit to the largest battalion. It
was solidarity that enabled a remote 11-man detachment in San Agustin town,
Isabela province, composed of 4 regulars and 7 CAA, to overcome a
company-size enemy in Isabela province.

When expanded to cover a national scale, a solid Philippine Army can

now provide a model of action, and the organization can become an effective
social change agent. In this light, the solidarity of the Philippine Army is the
soldier's own protection against threats to its mission, whether internal or
external and, by extension, a formidable opponent to challenges to the
sovereignty and the integrity of the country and a deterrent to those initially
intending to commit adverse acts. Likewise, such solidarity binds the Army to
oneness with the aspirations of the rest of the country and in the manner of
conduct befitting a Filipino who is proud of his country.

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SUNDALO
Ang sundalo ang pinakamagandang halimbawa ng isang Public
Servant.

Ang sundalo ay sumumpa na ang kanyang buhay ay para sa DIYOS,

BAYAN at TAO.

In other words, the priority of his career is GOD first, COUNTRY next,
and MAN last. Man includes his family, which means wife, children, parents,
relatives and friends.

Ito ay sinumpaan niya. Ito ay sinusunod niya nang walang pag-iimbot,

walang agam-agam at walang pagdududa. Ang ibig bang sabihin nito ay hindi
na siya nag-iisip, sumusunod na lamang siya na parang robot?

Ang ugaling walang alinlangan na pag-sunod ay na-ingrain na sa

kultura ng sundalo dahil ito ay kailangan upang maging mabilis at
matagumpay ang operasyon.

When you strike at the enemy, there is no time for wrangling,

questioning or debating. Movements must be swift and decisive. If you
disagree - follow first and question later.

Nag-iisip ba ang sundalo?

Kung ang buhay mo ang nakataya, hindi ka ba mag-iisip? In fact, dahil

buhay ang nakataya, lalo nilang pinag-iibayo ang pag-intindi sa operasyon
dahil perfect timing ang kailangan. Hindi makakagalaw with precision ang
sundalo kung siya ay hindi matalino.

Matalino ang sundalo.

Matatag ang kanyang paniniwala sa Diyos, Bayan at Tao.
Matapang ang sundalo, buhay niya ang nakataya para sa Bayan.
Ang sundalo ang tunay na Public Servant.

Kung may digmaan, may panganib ang kanyang buhay. Ang kanyang
pamilya ay nakahanda sa hindi niya pagbalik ng buhay.

Kung may kapayapaan, tumutulong sila sa pagtuturo sa mga bata at

matatanda na bumasa at sumulat, nagtatayo ng mga paaralan at mga tulay,
nagtatanitn ng puno sa kabundukan at nagbabahagi sa mga tao sa
countryside ng kanilang kaalaman sa paghahanapbuhay.

A soldier is always a meaningful part of our society. Laging handang

maglingkod; walang oras na sinasayang. At your service, Sir!

Ang sundalo ang tunay na Public Servant.

From the Senior NCO Leadership Forum (SNCOLF)

manuscript of Major Gen. Rodolfo A. Canieso,
AFP (Ret)

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CHAPTER 3
STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

Section 3-1 Pursuit of Excellence

A soldier powered by the pursuit of excellence is not readily seen, for

the soldier operates in silence though he carries the organization with him.
Within each soldier, there lies the competence necessary to attain outstanding
performance in any place. He has full knowledge of his job; he has proficiency
in training, in combat requirements, in peacekeeping, and in the
implementation of national policies for development. He has the unparalleled
wealth of combat experience within the context of a dynamic security
environment. Hence, pursuit of excellence is seen in the utmost efficiency and
maximum use of the soldier's abilities with the prudent use of resources
available to him. It is a continuing goal that, when achieved in any endeavor,
reaps the full confidence, morale, esprit-de-corps, and pride that the soldier
carries as the symbol of the military spirit. Historically, even when reduced to
the barest of fighting paraphernalia, the pursuit of excellence remained
constant such as when the guerillas were recognized for their best weapons:
"silence, invisibility, and speed". In more recent times, the elite unit of the then
Scout Rangers was organized to perform dual roles in tactical intelligence and
combat, recognizing that it was within the individual soldier's capability to be
supreme in his field:

"(General) Ileto geared this concept on the fact that the best weapon in
the unit is the individual himself, thus aiming to develop that individual to be
the most potent weapon. Besides the actual encounters, Ileto considers this a
major accomplishment: the creation in the enemy's mind that there exists a
unit that can penetrate the jungle, the enemy territory."

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And as one continually strives to perfect his craft and achieve his
mission, the soldier becomes more confident in his mission and his uniform
assumes a whole new significance.

Section 3-2 Pride in Uniform

In any legitimate army of any sovereign country, the military uniform

reflects one's pride in being the guardian of his country. Each soldier carries
the Army on his shoulders, projecting an image of strength and more
suggestively, the core values for which the Army stands. He also projects
humility in such strength and invites reliance by his fellow countrymen on the
Army symbolized by his uniform. The manner of wearing the uniform is
therefore a manifestation of the state of the Army. It reflects not only the
personality and character of the individual soldier but also that of the whole
organization. It is the responsibility of the soldier to take extra care and use of
his uniform and all insignias he carries on them, for it is in this simple ritual
that the soldier is set apart from the rest. Embedded in the uniform is the
extraordinary patriotism and dedication that begets respect and admiration
from the people he serves.

The uniform is proudly worn with the seal of the Philippine Army that
has captured the essence of the Filipino soldier forged through the crucible of
history:

"The present Army insigne contains the historical events descriptive of

the Philippine Army. It is symbolic of the glory and aspirations that remain
aglow in the Filipino soldier's heart to preserve liberty, freedom and
democracy in his country. Present Army patch is basically that of a modified
pentagonal shield which signifies defense, the Army's primary and ultimate
mission. As an instrument of defense, it also strives to destroy internal threats
and subversion. It also depicts the determination of the Filipino people in
seeking his identity as a Nation. Within the shield is a red. equilateral triangle
with three stars at its vertices, representing the three major island groupings
Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. At the center of the triangle is an eight-rayed
sun, which represents the first eight provinces that revolted against Spain.

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This triangular emblem, with a white border signifying the Army's foremost
preoccupation with peace, is the historic coat-of-arms of an ancient Filipino
script representing the letter "K", which stands for the Katipunan Army raised
by Andres Bonifacio in the initial struggles for Philippine Independence. It
rests on a shield of green, symbolic of the verdant land over which it exerts its
influence. The shield and the coat-of-arms in turn, lie on a white field symbolic
of the purity and loftiness of the Filipino ideals." (The First 100 Years,
Philippine Army, 1997)

The uniform is also the symbol of integrity and discipline in the service;
thus, any damage deliberately done thereto or any soldier appearing in civilian
clothing without authority, or appearing in unclean uniform, or not in the
prescribed uniform, or in uniform but worn otherwise than in the prescribed
manner constitute serious misconduct warranting punishment of equal
severity, if only to reinforce the importance of the profession and the steadfast
commitment required of it. This commitment is also an unconditional
acceptance of the discipline that accompanies the immense responsibility for
one bearing arms.

Section 3-3 Discipline

A soldier is a model of self-discipline. As he follows the disciplined

path, he generates the same quality of discipline from those he walks with. In
this manner, disciplined governance from the Chain of Command is
correspondingly achieved especially since a Philippine Army soldier performs
excellently under the tutelage of an excellent commander. The soldier and
ultimately the Philippine Army's energy come from this unity of disciplined
purpose. Thus, the Philippine Army operates in a uniform and collective
manner, requiring a continuous regimen of training, practice, self-responsible
conduct, and complete obedience to authority. Good discipline conquers fear
and the best discipline, which is self-discipline, conquers all. This means
continuing the fight even when alone and to the last man; staying alert when
all others are asleep; and keeping to the objective when all else seems lost.
This is more than being fierce in battle; it is being true to the noble warrior
spirit in all of us.

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Discipline is equally vital to preservation of life as much as to the

success of military operations, and demands unconditional compliance as its
foremost aspect. It requires that each person in authority must be able to
enforce it when necessary and the follower must, in turn, be confident in
following the orders for battle. Discipline may be rigorous but history has
shown that fairness and equality in its application has and will continue to
work in war as well as in peace. And, it is rigorous training enforced with
discipline that kicks in when theory is tested in actual combat:

"This is the only firefight I've ever been, none of us had experienced it
before but when the battle started, the training just took over." (Corporal
Sierra Leone, September 2000)

Each disciplined soldier generates pride from the people he is

protecting. Many challenges have been resolved with the mere presence of a
disciplined array of soldiers with characteristic military bearing, ready at a
moment's notice to respond to a command from one of equal bearing. It is
discipline that is the bedrock of the military profession just as professionalism
enhances and projects the discipline required to carry out the soldier's
mission.

Section 3-4 Professionalism

Professionalism in the military career stands for commitment,

knowledge, and skills and is better expressed in one's attention to duty with
the required discipline and competence. Each soldier is guided by standards
of military professionalism that embody the core values of the Philippine Army
and more particularly spelled out in issuances of the AFP, and the various
branches of government. Professionalism comes from the soldier's pursuit of
excellence; his disciplined performance as to When, Where and How; the
recognition of individual merit; humility where respect is earned and not
coveted; and most of all, humor in being human and in keeping one's feet on
the ground. This prescription comes from a battle-hardened general who rose
through the ranks and consistently believes that military professionalism can
only pave the way for peace rather than insurgency, and stability rather than
conflict in the country.

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Professionalism in the soldier gives rise to impartiality, objectivity, and

non-partisanship that is necessary to support common goals for the welfare of
the population. It stresses reliance on competence and ability rather than
personality. Professionalism and uniformity in the military does not breed
anonymity that allows the soldier to get lost in the crowd, but instead fosters
the correct perception of the uniqueness of the soldier's mission. The
professional soldier is recognized as fully equipped to handle threats to the
country's security and stability and to be relied upon for nation building,
whether in war or in peace. It is this recognition that spells the difference
between civilian support and rejection of any military initiative.

Section 3-5 Adherence to Law

The Armed Forces of the Philippines is an organization that operates

pursuant to the policy direction of the National Command Authority. As a field
of service of the AFP, the Philippine Army and each soldier is committed to
follow orders that are pursuant to such national policy. Each soldier therefore
does not individually determine how policies of the government will be carried
out, for it is the military leadership in the chain of command that takes
responsibility for this. Moreover, members of the Philippine Army are both
citizens and military personnel; hence all soldiers are subject to the same law
and shall uphold the same as part of their duty of service to the Country. The
Constitution, the Articles of War, the various coded laws, the law on Ethical
Standard and Public Accountability, and all other general special laws are to
be followed as the minimum standard of conduct expected of a military man.

In case of conflict, the higher military standard of conduct, required

under the same set of circumstances in either system, is always paramount.
Likewise, in the absence of an order or lack of knowledge on how a member
of the military shall act in unfamiliar situations, or in non-traditional roles, or

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even in the absence of an order, the value system and the standard of
conduct contained herein is to be consistently followed.

The supremacy of civilian authority places the burden of responsibility for

such policy on the civil government, implemented only by the military upon
being appropriately handed down through the chain of command. The
dilemma facing the Philippine army soldier will occur only if the directive
handed down through the chain of command is patently irreconcilable with the
convictions of the soldier tasked with carrying out the order, such as when
military personnel refused to fire on friendly and unarmed civilians who
surrounded them at EDSA in 1986. In this situation, the propriety of following
orders was no longer the issue in the face of the preservation of civilian life for
a rightful cause that had become paramount. Military doctrine recognizes this
reality in its basic doctrine:

"While the military fights wars, it is done so only as an instrument of

public policy which the government initiates. While war is primarily an
instrument of violence, it is subject to limitations as to means, objective, and
conduct.// (AFP Basic Doctrine)

Section 3-6 Deference to Authority

Authority refers to those with the right and responsibility to carry out
functions that affect an entire group. Within the military, authority is evident in
the chain of command, starting with the non-commissioned officer in the most
vital role as implementor, and the succession of Commanding Officers before
him through which commands are progressively issued and implemented at
each level of the hierarchy. Persons in position of authority within the military
are entrusted with carrying out the military operational imperative and
discipline ensures this is followed. This should not be confused with civil
authority, which provides the policies to be implemented by the Army as a
whole organization. Military authority is inherent in its position as well as
earned. It is recognition of a soldier's right to command within his level of the
military organization. It is also a factor of solidarity for when one leads with
distinction; his success carries all of his men. Military ceremonies, traditions,
customs and practices honor the chain of command and show the best side of
discipline exhibited by the soldier.

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Deference to civil authority is likewise required of the soldier as a

function of his responsibility, for it is his response that can either influence the
outcome of a critical situation or even determine the stability of the authority in
power. In this respect a soldier, despite being confined by the bounds of his
mission, can rely on civilian authority to the extent that life is preserved and
the goal is achieved. While instances may arise wherein such deference may
result in unwarranted results, a professional soldier acting in accordance with
the Philippine Army's core philosophy can and will be able to carry the
responsibility for decision made in the course of duty and as required by
circumstances. It is his professionalism that will be his protection and his
guide for action. By being true to himself and to the people he serves, the
soldier can thus face the conflict of ideas and actions that normally
characterize daily life, for his mission is lofty yet simple, profound and yet
workable in the daily crucible of life.

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CHAPTER 4
APPLICATION

"A member is, however, expected to utilize his common sense, and his
knowledge of human nature and of the ways of the world in weighing the
evidence. In the light of all the circumstances of the case, he should consider
the inherent probability or improbability of the evidence."

Chapter 15-78a, Court Martial Procedure

Care has been taken to explain the core values and standards of
conduct that are essential to military effectiveness as the air that one
breathes, for them to be understood and applied in everyday life by all in the
service of the Philippine Army and even after. This text is merely a guide, to
be pondered upon by the reader who honestly seeks to-know himself and his
suitability to the military profession. The more intuitive the appreciation by the
reader, the more helpful this handbook will be because every soldier is guided
by his own sense of right and wrong, subject only to correct application of
one's common sense that is also common to the military.

It must be stressed that entering the military profession is foremost a

matter of choice. One must willingly make that choice with full knowledge of
the dimensions to which he will be called to action no matter the arena. Once
made, the choice must be an unwavering and steadfast commitment, for the
internalization of the Philippine Army philosophy transforms an ordinary
citizen into a true Philippine Army soldier.

The primary responsibility for instilling and reinforcing the values and
standards herein explained is vested in the military leadership as an innate
function of rank. The dynamics of the Philippine Army core values and
standards of conduct become the weave that strengthens the fabric, from the
NCO support channel that acts to pass information, disseminates orders and
gets routine but basic and important jobs done, to the commander who, freed
of administrative duties, can plan, make decisions and program his men for
training and operations. Officers and NCOs in command and control positions
must therefore commit these values to memory and be in a position to explain
the same when asked. Constant reference must be made to these values
during training and reinforced at all levels. All ranks must be aware that they
are expected to behave in a particular way and most of all, understand why
there are limitations to their individual freedoms.

The Commanding Officer holds primary responsibility for the

maintenance of discipline within his command as well as the sanctions to be
imposed on erring individuals. When a soldier is the subject of a disciplinary
proceeding, it is already established that the acts of the soldier are violative of
regulations and it is the duty of the soldier to clear himself. This also indicates
the self-responsibility imposed on and expected of each individual soldier for
his conduct, because unlike the civilian setting, lives are literally at stake;

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discipline ensures that life is honored, not wasted. Disciplinary action is the
first level of sanctions followed by court martial, unless there are good
reasons for an immediate court martial after referral to higher authority. In
some circumstances, both administrative disciplinary action and a court
martial may be taken simultaneously if the misconduct is particularly serious.
In the great majority of instances, discipline can be maintained through
effective measures, which a commander is expected to use to the extent of
his ingenuity and creativity to further the efficiency and morale of his
command or unit.

The soldier is well aware of the ways of the world and constantly
employs his knowledge of human nature when faced with situations not
specifically met in his training courses. Values are inculcated by observation
and practice over time. Thus, it is expected that constant review of one's self
in the dynamism of daily life will guide the correct application of the foregoing
values and the standards of conduct in military life, for this code to endure and
be relevant for the decades ahead.

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 CHAPTER 5
CONCLUSION

The cohesion and unity within the Philippine Army defines its capability
to carry out its lofty mandate. National defense is the people's defense.
Understanding this and the relevance of winning the hearts and minds of the
populace can only be carried out by the alignment of the soldier's heart and
mind with the Philippine Army core philosophy, as spelled out in its core
values and standards of conduct. In forging a concrete national identity, the
Philippine Army soldier will respect the people, will help the people, and
defend the people in all areas of the Army's operational imperatives.
Moreover, as each soldier consistently aligns himself with the foregoing
values and standards of conduct, he continues the extraordinary and noble
behavior of those heroes who have gone before him. When he adheres to the
value system, he invites others to live his noble life, thereby influencing the
course of history towards a larger unity in keeping with national development
and solidarity. Ultimately, the Soldier is the Army, personal in influence but
national in effect. The Soldier therefore becomes the symbol of stability and
pride of every Filipino.

Three qualities stand out in the Philippine Army soldier's life: an ability
to employ his natural sense of humor at the best and worst of times; a
creative and analytical ability to allow him to perform tasks not covered by
regular training; and an unwavering faith in the Divine that unites him with his
country me~ more than any other factor. Even integration of erstwhile enemy
insurgents into the fold of the law or their integration into the Philippine Army
has not removed the soldier's ability to see humor in a situation, or employ
creativity in meeting new faces in the field, or honor one's freedom of belief,
as part and parcel of the brotherhood of comrades-in-arms. These unique
cultural factors have cemented camaraderie and provided the Philippine Army
soldier with the needed sense of adaptability and resilience in the face of the
seriousness of his noble calling. In this respect, he continues to stand above
the rest.

As in any endeavor, the results of this handbook are far-reaching

because it treats of fundamentals of the service. The impact of this handbook
is internal to the soldier and will spur future action along the lines set out
herein. The responsibility of a life of service lies with the soldier more than any
other factor in the military initiative. Clearly, the operational imperative
continuously exists and the reality of the military profession equally significant
in the life of the nation, shaping society as it is itself being shaped by the
synergy between the soldier and his country. It is for this purpose that the
path has been made, to be understood as leading to the same goal of being
one with the country for whom one serves.

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