The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Friday rejected attempts to pull the military into partisan politics, reaffirming that its loyalty remains with the Constitution, the rule of law, and duly constituted civilian authority.
AFP public affairs chief Colonel Xerxes Trinidad issued the statement amid what he described as continuing calls for the military to interfere in the country’s political developments.
“The loyalty of every AFP personnel remains firmly anchored on the Constitution, the rule of law, and the duly constituted civilian authority,” Trinidad said.
Trinidad said some individuals are “still urging the AFP to interfere in what is happening now in our political environment.”
The statement came as the Senate impeachment court is set to begin on Monday the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on charges that include culpable violation of the Constitution, bribery, graft and corruption, and betrayal of public trust.
“The AFP is a professional and non-partisan institution committed to its mandate to defend the sovereignty of the State,” Trinidad said.
“The AFP strongly condemns any attempt to drag the organization into partisan politics, as its unwavering commitment to the Constitution remains paramount,” he added.
Trinidad said the military will continue to support “lawful government efforts to uphold peace and order, protect national security, and safeguard the rights and welfare of all Filipinos.”