Aside from earning public acclamation and career promotion, the four honor guards who escorted the remains of former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino during last Wednesday’s funeral procession received cash incentives for their “outstanding performance and dedication to work.”

Navy Petty Officer 3 Edgardo Rodriguez, Army Pfc. Antonio Cadiente, Airman 2nd Class Gener Laguindam, and Police Officer 1 Danilo Malab, Jr. received P25,000 worth of cash rewards each from friends of former Senator Agapito “Butz” Aquino, who is also Mrs. Aquino’s brother-in-law.

In a press conference in Makati City Friday, Butz said the token is only one of the ways to show appreciation for the servicemen who endured the inclement weather during the nine-hour funeral procession.

“What they did seems ordinary but if you try it yourself—standing for hours without moving—it’s tough. Our petty gift is just one of the ways to thank them,” Butz said.

Although Butch spearheaded the recognition rites, members of the Aquino Family were not present during the event.

“We have to understand that the family is still mourning. But in the meantime, those who wanted to reward these gentlemen coursed through me their petty gifts. Some of them are my business and political friends,” he added.

Meanwhile, National Capital Region Police Office director Chief Supt. Roberto Rosales said the laudable performance of the four servicemen brought honor to their respective units.

“It is really hard to stand there for hours. I have experienced it several times when I was still a cadet but the most that I endured was six hours. How much more [difficult it is] if they endured nine hours under the scrutinizing eyes of the world,” Rosales said.

Rosales added that Rodriguez, Cadiente, Laguindam, and Malab should be hailed as models for the
members of the Armed Forces and the Philippine National Police in “giving their best to whatever assignment they will have.”

“They showed us how dedicated they are in doing what simple assignment they were given. We encourage our men to do the same, to always put our best foot forward for whatever assignment we receive. The public expects a lot from us and we really need to do our best,” he added.

Echoing Rosales’ statement, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano said he supports the filing of a resolution commending the servicemen, spearheaded by his sister, Senator Pia Cayetano.

“We are not only honoring them because they did a good job but because they set an example to everybody in public service that just by doing your best in whatever you’re assigned to do, you are already giving honor to your country,” the younger Cayetano said.