The removal of a phrase in the draft Federal Constitution stating the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is the “protector of the people” touched off a heated argument among AFP chief of staff Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. and framers of the proposed charter in a Constitutional Commission (ConCom) tour of the AFP headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo.

The ConCom held a briefing and consultation at Camp Aguinaldo to discuss proposed revisions in the Charter related to security.

Galvez said he can’t accept the proposal to remove the “protector of the people” phrase since the military takes “pride” in the constitutional description of its role in the society.

“It’s a great pride for the Armed Forces being the protector of the people and the State. We are the only institution given by the government that mandate (which) is very delicate. It’s my personal view that the phrase should be retained. That mandate is very noble to us,” Galvez said.

The AFP chief of staff stressed the phrase is a “strategic message” to the military.

“These words are very important to us so in terms of disaster, our real [task] is to protect and save the people.”

Members of ConCom led by retired Army Lt. Gen Ferdinand Bocobo at the meeting defended the removal of the phrase, saying it was meant to discourage military uprisings.

Bocobo said the phrase was struck out because it had been used before by coup plotters and mutineers to justify their action.

He added the government, not the AFP, is the protector of the people.

But that did not sit well with Galvez who said: “That is what the communists want to be removed.”

The AFP also stated its opposition to some of its provisions that the AFP deemed as a move to “clip their wings” in doing their job.

Galvez, in an online interview, cited in particular the provision that sets limitations on authorities to conduct electronic surveillance, saying the military prefers general provisions that will not “hamper” the AFP in exercising its duties.

“The Constitution is very absolute. Tactical operations should not be mentioned considering that it may limit our flexibility to do our mandate,” Galvez said.

He added the limitations in the new Charter will also weaken legal cases the military will file against those who threaten the nation’s security.

He also cited the Human Security Act which, he said, turned out to be “inutile.”

“Halos lahat ng details binigay natin dun and then nakita natin it has become inutile. Wala siyang nagawa, wala siyang na-indict na terrorists (Almost all details were provided in that law we saw it had become inutile. It can’t do anything, it failed to indict any terrorist),” he said.

The draft Federal Constitution has a provision that prohibits “unlawful, unreasonable surveillance through technological, electronic, or any other means” and will only be allowed if there is both a search warrant and surveillance warrant.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III yesterday expressed doubts that President Rodrigo Duterte will interfere with the Senate for the passage of the draft Federal Constitution citing the Chief Executive’s stance on congressional affairs.