The Department of National Defense (DND) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) dismissed calls for the military to withdraw support from the government, amid rising political tensions and allegations of corruption linked to flood control projects.
In a joint statement issued Friday night, Sept. 12, DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. stressed that both the DND and AFP remain professional and non-partisan institutions that continue to safeguard the nation and its democratic foundations.
“At this critical juncture for our national security in the face of threats to our peace and regional stability, politically-motivated attempts to distract the Armed Forces of the Philippines from focusing on its mission are not only futile but also irresponsible,” they said.
They underscored their support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s anti-corruption drive, calling it not only a government initiative but a “national crusade for good governance, justice, and progress.”
“We owe it to our veterans, our heroes, and to future generations to ensure that the Philippines is firmly grounded in integrity,” Teodoro and Brawner noted.
The defense and military leadership also rejected attempts by certain groups to draw the AFP into unconstitutional and unilateral actions, reiterating that the armed forces strictly follow the Constitution and the chain of command.
“The strength of our Republic rests on the rule of law and the unity of our people. At this crucial time, we call on every Filipino to place their trust in our democratic institutions, to respect our processes, and to work together in the spirit of patriotism. True and lasting change can only come through peaceful, lawful, and democratic means,” they said.
The statement was issued amid calls from certain groups and personalities urging the military to withdraw its support for the government as alleged corruption on flood control projects hounds the government.
An open letter circulating on social media and shared by Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, a former Philippine National Police chief, on his Facebook page called on House Speaker Martin Romualdez to resign as congressman and Speaker, citing alleged fiscal mismanagement and corruption.
The letter claimed to have been issued by a group of retired AFP and PNP officers, UP Vanguards, which is a distinguished alumni association of the University of the Philippines Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), and concerned citizens. (Martin Sadongdong)
