The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday reiterated its nonpartisan stance following questions on an impeachment complaint filed against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., stressing that the military remains focused on its constitutional mandate.
AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the armed forces do not take part in political issues and will continue to function as a professional organization regardless of ongoing legal or political developments.
“In issues like this, the Armed Forces of the Philippines remains nonpartisan. We remain a professional organization, and we continue with our mandate,” Padilla said during a briefing at Camp Aguinaldo.
She added that matters involving complaints are best addressed by appropriate civilian authorities, noting that the AFP does not intervene in such processes.
“Since we do not engage in political issues, we leave this to the concerned agencies and trust our democratic processes to take their due course,” Padilla said, stressing that the AFP’s priority remains national security and the defense of the Constitution.
Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong on Tuesday meanwhile said the latest OCTA Research survey points to stability, not panic, for the administration of President Marcos despite a slight easing in trust ratings in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Adiong cited OCTA figures showing trust in President Marcos declined to 48 percent in the fourth quarter from 57 percent in the third quarter, while approval of his performance remained above the majority threshold at 51 percent in December 2025, down from 54 percent in October.
“The data shows stability, not collapse,” said Adiong, chair of the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms. “Approval remains above 50 percent, and that tells us Filipinos continue to judge the President on performance.”
He stressed that trust and approval measure different sentiments.
“Trust is more sensitive to short-term pressures, while approval reflects performance,” Adiong said.
He added that surveys conducted during periods of economic adjustment often capture temporary shifts, noting that “a steady base continues to give the President credit for delivery.”
