President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. granted an on-the-spot promotion to Philippine Army Captain Jerome Jacuba, who was blinded in a bomb explosion while on duty, and overturned a military policy that would have forced his discharge from service.
In a video message on Monday, Dec. 1, Marcos announced the cancellation of Jacuba’s Complete Disability Discharge (CDD) status—a designation given to personnel retired or separated due to physical or mental disability.
The President said he was moved after watching Jacuba’s farewell video, where the officer, accompanied by his young daughter, signed off from 15 years of service.
Jacuba, who lost his vision in combat, expressed pride in his sacrifice, declaring he had no regrets and would give his sight again for his country if given the chance.
Marcos described Jacuba’s situation as unfair and unworthy of an honorable soldier, prompting his decision to reverse the discharge and recognize Jacuba’s continued service to the nation.
“Noong nakita ko ‘yung video niya at pinag-isipan ko ‘yung mga nangyari sa kanya, ay parang hindi tama. Dahil ito ay isang opisyal na itinaya na nga niya ang buhay niya para sa duty niya para ipagtanggol ang Pilipinas, at dahil sa ganyan ay basta’t bibitawan na lang natin. Hindi naman yata makatarungan ‘yan,” Marcos stressed.
“Kaya binigyan ko ng instruction ang ating Chief of Staff na isuspende na ‘yung CDD ni Captain Jacuba. Bukod pa doon, ay dapat bigyan siya ng promotion dahil sa katapangan niya at gawin na siyang major,” he stressed.
“At maghanap tayo ng mga iba’t ibang posisyon na puwede pa naman siya ‘yung ating mga tinatawag na the major adaptive duties. Kasi kahit nabulag na po, marami pa ring duty na puwedeng gawin ng isang sundalo, lalong-lalo na sa isang sundalo na may 15 years na experience. Maraming maidadagdag at maitutulong sa atin ‘yan,” Marcos further said.
The case of Jacuba prompted the President to order the Department of National Defense (DND) to revisit the existing CDD policy, suggesting to give other duties to injured soldiers during operations, rather than retiring them. (Betheena Unite)
