MANILA, Philippines — Former lawmaker and businessman Michael “Mikee” Romero has retired from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Reserve Force, ending his stint as commander of the Tactical Operations Wing Reserve Northern Luzon as the Philippine Air Force (PAF) continues an investigation into its policies governing reservist promotions, awards and military badges.
Romero formally relinquished his duties and retired from the Reserve Force effective August 19, 2026, according to a statement from his camp. His retirement came just days after the PAF announced that it was reviewing its rules on the conferment of military awards and the wearing of honorary badges and insignia by reservists.
The review was triggered by growing public attention surrounding Romero’s military decorations after photographs of the former congressman in PAF uniform circulated online. Some current and retired military personnel questioned the number and type of badges and decorations displayed on his uniform, prompting accusations of “stolen valor” on social media.
Romero has strongly denied the accusations.
Romero: Awards were officially conferred
Romero has maintained that his military rank, appointments and decorations were legitimately conferred by the AFP and that the corresponding orders and official documents are part of the military’s permanent records.
He has also said that he never requested the honors and that they were given based on his service and contributions.
The former lawmaker emphasized that he has never claimed a distinction that is not supported by official AFP documentation.
The PAF, meanwhile, has stressed that military awards and badges worn on uniforms must be backed by appropriate General Orders or other official documentation identifying the nature and basis of the recipient’s service or contribution.
PAF launches review of awards and promotions
The Philippine Air Force said its Reserve Command has begun an in-depth review of personnel records, orders and promotion-board proceedings involving reservists whose records may be relevant to the issue.
The PAF also said any verified irregularities or violations of existing regulations would be dealt with under applicable rules.
The Armed Forces has emphasized that the review is intended to uphold transparency, compliance with regulations and the integrity of its awards and recognition system.
Importantly, the PAF has not publicly declared that Romero illegally obtained his rank or awards. The military’s investigation is intended to determine whether the relevant awards, badges and promotions complied with established policies and were properly supported by official records.
Romero’s military career
Romero has been a commissioned PAF reservist since 2021. His military career included receiving the Honorary Philippine Air Force Gold Wings in 2021.
He was subsequently promoted to colonel in the PAF Reserve, with the Commission on Appointments recognizing his promotion in October 2025. His promotion to brigadier general in the PAF Reserve was confirmed by the Commission on Appointments on August 13, 2026.
In July, the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported that Romero had become the first military reservist to receive aviation-related honors from the Army, Navy and Air Force.
Among those recognitions were the Philippine Air Force Gold Wings in 2021, the Philippine Army Aviation Service Insignia in 2025 and a Command Naval Aviation Badge in April 2026.
Those honors have now come under heightened scrutiny as the military reviews its policies surrounding awards and honorary badges.
Gold Cross controversy
Another point of controversy involved claims circulating online that Romero possessed or had been awarded the AFP Gold Cross Medal, one of the military’s decorations for gallantry.
Romero denied that he had ever been awarded or possessed a Gold Cross Medal, according to The Philippine Star.
The distinction between what was actually awarded to Romero and what may have been inferred from photographs or online posts is significant because the PAF’s current review is focused on verifying awards and badges against official military records.
Why the retirement matters
Romero’s retirement does not automatically resolve the questions surrounding his military awards.
The PAF has indicated that the review of records and policies will continue, and any verified violation of existing rules could be dealt with under the appropriate regulations.
Romero, for his part, said his decision to leave the Reserve Force does not mean he is ending his commitment to public service.
“My service in uniform may come to an end,” Romero said, “My duty to our people, our sovereignty, our flag, and our country will endure.”
For now, the central question remains whether all of the decorations and badges associated with Romero’s military service are fully supported by the AFP’s official records.
The answer could depend on the outcome of the PAF’s ongoing review.
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