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Advocates Philippines
Marcos Orders Review Of Disability Discharge Rule After Blind Army Captain's Case Sparks Concern
Screengrab from BBM/Jerome Jacuba FB
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro to review and temporarily halt the enforcement of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) Complete Disability Discharge (CDD) policy, following public concern over the separation of a soldier who became fully disabled in the line of duty.
The directive was issued after the case of Philippine Army Capt. Jerome Jacuba, who was blinded in an IED blast in Mindanao and later handed a CDD notice, effectively removing him from military service. His discharge was based on the long-standing assumption that soldiers who become completely disabled can no longer perform combat duties.
Marcos, however, stressed that a combat-related disability should not automatically end a soldier’s career.
“Para sa ating mga sundalo, hindi na kayo muling mangangamba kung saan hahantong ang inyong karera. Sa bagong CDD policy, tinitiyak ko na patas ang oportunidad at may tunay na tahanan kayo sa loob ng AFP.”
Malacañang confirmed that the President has ordered the AFP to suspend Jacuba’s discharge while the policy undergoes review.
Marcos emphasized that soldiers who sustained life-changing injuries while serving the country must not be left behind, noting that many can continue to contribute in meaningful ways—whether in training, administrative, operational support, or leadership roles.
The review aims to ensure the CDD policy reflects modern, inclusive military practices and provides a fair path forward for wounded personnel who still want to serve.
The directive was issued after the case of Philippine Army Capt. Jerome Jacuba, who was blinded in an IED blast in Mindanao and later handed a CDD notice, effectively removing him from military service. His discharge was based on the long-standing assumption that soldiers who become completely disabled can no longer perform combat duties.
Marcos, however, stressed that a combat-related disability should not automatically end a soldier’s career.
“Para sa ating mga sundalo, hindi na kayo muling mangangamba kung saan hahantong ang inyong karera. Sa bagong CDD policy, tinitiyak ko na patas ang oportunidad at may tunay na tahanan kayo sa loob ng AFP.”
Malacañang confirmed that the President has ordered the AFP to suspend Jacuba’s discharge while the policy undergoes review.
Marcos emphasized that soldiers who sustained life-changing injuries while serving the country must not be left behind, noting that many can continue to contribute in meaningful ways—whether in training, administrative, operational support, or leadership roles.
The review aims to ensure the CDD policy reflects modern, inclusive military practices and provides a fair path forward for wounded personnel who still want to serve.
Dec 1, 2025
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