The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reaffirmed its loyalty to the Philippine flag and the people amid President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s reorganization of the National Security Council (NSC) recently and the mixed reactions it generated.
The military “remains a united and professional organization, loyal to the flag, the Constitution, and the Filipino people,” said AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla over the weekend.
Padilla emphasized that the AFP strictly observes the chain of command and remains committed to providing impartial service in accordance with the law and democratic principles.
The military spokesperson issued the statement following speculations of internal discord now that President Marcos made it official that Vice President Sara Duterte, as well past presidents including her father former President Rodrigo Duterte, are no longer part of the NSC.
The Commander-in-Chief reorganized the NSC by virtue of an executive order dated December 30, 2024, which formally removed estranged Vice President Duterte from attending future discussions related to national security.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and National Security Adviser Eduardo Año defended this decision, citing previous instances when incumbent presidents restructured the NSC depending on the circumstances at hand.
“The purpose of reorganization is to enhance the formulation of policies relating to national security so that actions and decisions by the President rest on sound advice and accurate information,” Año explained in a statement.
Vice President Duterte has yet to publicly comment on the issue.
