Romero denies Gold Cross story

MANILA, Philippines — Former congressman Michael “Mikee” Romero, a Philippine Air Force Reserve brigadier general, has denied that he was ever awarded or possesses a Gold Cross Medal of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“For the record, I have not been awarded and do not possess a Gold Cross Medal,” Romero said in response to criticisms from several recipients of the medal.

He said the medal that has been repeatedly identified in photographs and used as the centerpiece of allegations against him is not a Gold Cross Medal.

“The award mistakenly identified as the Gold Cross Medal by others is actually the Gawad sa Kapayapaan, awarded in recognition of my efforts that helped the AFP acquire three brand-new C-130 aircraft in 2022 during my time in Congress,” he said.

Romero said he has been focusing on continuing responsibilities in the Philippine Air Force Reserve Force.

He currently serves as commander of the Tactical Operations Wing Reserve-Northern Luzon and chairs the Association of Reservists and Reservist Administrators of the Philippines.

His work has focused on strengthening the Philippine reserve force and advancing the concept of a Total Defense Force – a more integrated national defense structure in which active duty forces, reservists, veterans, government agencies, the private sector and civilian professionals can contribute to national security and national resilience.

Earlier this year, Romero was promoted to brigadier general following increasing responsibility in the reserve.

His involvement in national defense also predates his current rank.

As a member of Congress, Romero supported the modernization of the AFP and contributed to efforts that helped secure three new C-130 aircraft in 2022, significantly strengthening the country’s strategic airlift, humanitarian assistance and disaster-response capabilities.

He also co-authored the AFP Salary Standardization which increased AFP salaries with average of 58.7 increase.

His work with the reserve force has likewise included humanitarian and disaster response missions and efforts to develop the reservists’ capabilities in logistics, aviation, communications, cybersecurity and other areas where civilian expertise can serve national defense.