Sportsman and world-ranked polo player Mikee Romero added another milestone to his multifaceted career after the Commission on Appointments on Thursday, Aug. 13, confirmed his ad interim appointment to the rank of Brigadier General in the Philippine Air Force Reserve.
Romero, who owns Globalport and Capital1, was among 37 senior and flag officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines whose appointments and promotions were confirmed by the bicameral appointments body.
A former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and former 1-PACMAN party-list representative, Romero has built a profile that spans sports, public service, and national defense.
He is a longtime supporter of Philippine sports and remains active as a polo player, where he has competed at the international level and earned a world ranking.
Through the years, Romero has supported multiple sports, making him one of the country’s most prominent sports figures to transition into military service in the AFP Reserve Component.
Romero also chairs the Association of Reservists and Reservist Administrators of the Philippines, Inc., which leads efforts to strengthen the AFP Reserve Component and enhance the readiness, capabilities, and participation of reservists in national defense, disaster response, and humanitarian assistance.
Two other reservist leaders—Col. Vladimir Mata of the Philippine Marine Corps and Col. Floreto Solano of the Philippine Air Force—were also confirmed. Mata serves as ARRAPI president, while Solano is the group’s treasurer.
Romero’s confirmation comes after years of legislative work supporting AFP modernization. During his time in Congress, he pushed for major capability upgrades and the acquisition of modern defense assets.
He was also instrumental in securing funding for the Philippine Air Force’s acquisition of its first three brand-new C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft, with deliveries to the Philippines set to begin this year.
His elevation to Brigadier General marks another chapter in a career that has combined sports, public service, legislative advocacy, and efforts to strengthen the country’s military reserve force.
Also confirmed by the CA was AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete, who became the 61st Chief of Staff with the rank of general. He assumed command on July 21, 2026, succeeding Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr.
Air Force Lt. Gen. Thad Rufino P. Candelario was likewise confirmed with the rank of lieutenant general.
The CA also confirmed eight officers to the rank of Colonel or Captain in the Philippine Navy, completing the batch of 37 senior and flag officers of the AFP.
