The Department of National Defense (DND) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday reaffirmed their commitment to the Constitution and rejected calls for the military to withdraw support for the government, calling such attempts “futile” and “irresponsible.”
In a joint statement, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. emphasized that the military remains a “professional and non-partisan organization” focused on defending the nation and safeguarding democratic institutions.
“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.
The defense and military leadership also expressed full support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s anti-corruption campaign, describing it as a “national crusade for good governance, justice, and progress.”
They dismissed efforts by certain groups to involve the AFP in unconstitutional actions, saying the military strictly follows the chain of command and abides by the Constitution.
“The strength of our Republic rests on the rule of law and the unity of our people,” the DND and AFP said, urging Filipinos to trust democratic institutions, respect due process, and pursue change only through “peaceful, lawful, and democratic means.”
The DND and AFP issued the statement amid calls from anti-corruption protesters for the military to turn its back on the government over the flood control project controversy. They dismissed these calls as “politically motivated” attempts to distract men and women in uniform from fulfilling their duties.
“We reject all attempts to patronize the AFP by certain groups that insinuate or suggest unconstitutional, unilateral interventions by the former. The AFP abides by the constitution through the Chain of Command,” they said.
Both organizations instead called on Filipinos “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,” the statement concluded.
