Marcos to new AFP officers: Stay loyal to republic
Amid persistent talk of destabilization, President Marcos on Monday reminded incoming officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to steer clear of partisan politics and stay loyal to the government.
The President is facing the biggest crisis of his administration yet—a corruption scandal that has set off a wave of street protests, forced the resignations of key Cabinet officials and congressional leaders, and fueled talk of the installation of a civilian-military junta to replace him.
So far, he has counted on the 125,000-strong AFP to reject calls for the withdrawal of support for the administration purportedly to give way to a junta as the anticorruption protests escalated in Metro Manila and other urban centers.
“[T]he AFP that you are part of now must always rise above politics. Your loyalty must not be to any individual or faction, but only to the Republic,” he told officers who completed the Major Services Officer Candidate Course Joint Graduation Ceremony at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.
“The time and effort you have spent in this course has taught you that by becoming full-fledged officers, your integrity is carried in your uniform and rank,” he added.
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson, a former Philippine National Police chief, had disclosed attempts by retired military officers to recruit him to join a civilian-military junta as half a million members of religious sect Iglesia Ni Cristo mounted a rally for transparency in Manila on Nov. 16 and 17.
The recruitment, which Lacson rejected for being “unconstitutional,” came days after resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co accused the President of receiving kickbacks from the alleged insertion of P100 billion worth of projects in the 2025 national budget. Malacañang denied Co’s allegations.
PNP backs Agfo
AFP chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. confirmed on Oct. 3 that some retired officers and active younger officers reached out to him during the Sept. 21 anticorruption protests calling for military intervention amid the corruption scandal.
On Sunday, tens of thousands took anew to the streets to protest the government’s efforts in addressing the alleged collusion of senators, congressmen, public works officials and private contractors in siphoning off billions of pesos for flood control projects.
Meanwhile, the PNP expressed support for a statement from a group of retired generals denouncing attempts to destabilize the government.
“We fully respect the stand of the retired generals as some of them also went through the same challenges when they were still active in the service,” acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.
‘Choose what is right’
The Association of Generals and Flag Officers (Agfo) has condemned the “political noise and agitations” calling on the military to withdraw support for the Commander in Chief.
Agfo is composed of current and former generals and flag officers of the AFP, PNP, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and Bureau of Fire Protection.
Its latest “manifesto of unwavering support and solidarity” also rejected any call for the AFP to engage in unconstitutional acts or military adventurism.
The President also told the 638 new officers to reject corruption and deception as they take on new roles in the military.
“There will be moments when your integrity will be tested. Corruption and dishonesty can manifest in many forms,” he said. “You must always choose what is right. You must always choose our nation. You must choose loyalty and peace.”
Mr. Marcos said they lead an example especially during these “difficult times” when many Filipinos are looking to honest and brave men in service for inspiration.
“Wherever you may be assigned, on land, at sea, in the air, remember that your mission will go beyond completing missions. Ultimately, it will be about maintaining peace and building a nation,” he said. —WITH REPORTS FROM LUISA CABATO AND JASON SIGALES
