President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on newly commissioned officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to remain loyal to the republic and resist partisan influence, issuing one of his strongest appeals yet as his administration grapples with a widening corruption scandal and growing chatter of destabilization.
Addressing graduates of the Major Services Officer Candidate Course at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Monday, Marcos reminded the 638 new officers that the uniform they wear demands unwavering integrity, especially at a time when the government faces intensifying scrutiny and public unrest.
He urged them to reject political entanglements, saying the military must “always rise above politics” and remain committed only to the Constitution. “Your loyalty must not be to any individual or faction, but solely to the Republic,” the President said. “As full-fledged officers, your integrity is carried in your uniform and in your rank.”
The appeal comes as the administration confronts its most serious political crisis since Marcos took office. Allegations of budget insertions amounting to P100 billion have triggered successive waves of demonstrations in Metro Manila and several major cities, prompting resignations of top Cabinet officials and congressional leaders. The controversy has also fueled talk of a possible civilian-military junta—rumors the Palace has strongly denied.
Despite these pressures, Marcos has so far maintained the support of the 125,000-strong AFP, which has publicly dismissed calls for a withdrawal of support. Still, reports of attempted recruitment within the military persist. Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson recently confirmed he was approached by retired officers seeking to form a junta—an offer he rejected as “unconstitutional.”
AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. earlier acknowledged that some retired and active officers had contacted him during the Sept. 21 anticorruption protests, though he emphasized the institution’s commitment to constitutional processes.
On Sunday, tens of thousands again marched through the streets, denouncing alleged collusion among lawmakers, public works officials, and contractors in the supposed siphoning of billions meant for flood-control projects.
The Philippine National Police, for its part, expressed alignment with retired generals who issued a statement condemning destabilization plots. Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the police recognized the seriousness of such agitation and supported efforts to defend institutional stability.
The Association of Generals and Flag Officers (Agfo)—a body of current and former top-ranking uniformed officials—also released a manifesto rejecting calls for military adventurism and urging the AFP to keep its distance from political upheaval.
Marcos reminded the graduates that integrity would be their most tested asset moving forward. “There will be moments when corruption and dishonesty may attempt to influence you,” he said. “You must always choose what is right. You must choose our nation. You must choose loyalty and peace.”
He added that at a time when many Filipinos are looking for leadership and moral clarity, the country relies on uniformed officers who remain steadfast, professional, and constitutionally grounded.