The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) denounced Cavite 4th District Rep. Kiko Barzaga for allegedly spreading false information claiming that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had threatened to remove the pensions of the military.
In a statement, AFP Public Affairs Office Chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the post circulating online was “baseless, malicious, and intended to mislead” the public. He emphasized that there has been no such directive, statement, or policy from President Marcos or any government agency.
“The AFP strongly condemns the circulation of false and misleading content alleging that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has “threatened to remove the AFP pension,” Trinidad said.
“We respectfully call on Congressman Barzaga to refrain from spreading disinformation that undermines public confidence and the morale of the very men and women who defend our Republic,” he added.
The AFP stressed that military pensions are protected by law as earned benefits resulting from at least 20 years of honorable and dedicated service. These benefits, it said, can only be forfeited if a retiree is convicted of a crime after due process and final judgment from a competent court.
“No official can arbitrarily remove or withhold such pension,” the AFP reminded.
Trinidad said the administration has, in fact, shown “its fullest support” for soldiers, especially ensuring the protection and sustainability of their pension system and benefits.
The AFP also urged public officials, especially those elected to positions to exercise “prudence, accuracy, and integrity” when sharing information, noting that false statements can “sow division and erode public trust.”
“The AFP remains steadfast in its sworn mandate to protect the Constitution, safeguard our democracy, and serve the Filipino people with honor, integrity, and patriotism,” Trinidad said.
During a news forum on Saturday, AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla revealed that the military is reviewing its pension system and studying the possibility of subjecting retirees to court-martial proceedings.
Barzaga is facing an ethics complaint at the House of Representatives over his inappropriate behavior and actions.
In a recent social media post, he also falsely claimed that the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) has stopped its investigation on Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez due to health reasons.
This is misleading. The ICI simply rescheduled the next appearance of the former House Speaker to accommodate his request as he is scheduled to undergo a medical procedure on Tuesday next week, October 22.
