AFP spox calls NSC reorg a ‘classic case of political intrigue’

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday maintained its professionalism and loyalty to the Constitution amid the ongoing political shakes in the country. 

AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla was prompt to defend the military organization as a "united and professional" institution when asked to comment about the if the reorganization of the National Security Council (NSC) would affect troops in any way. 

Padilla described as "political intrigue" the allegations that the NSC reorganization “reflects a power struggle between the country’s dominant political dynasties” ahead of the midterm elections.

“In terms of whether there is a rift, this is a classic case of political intrigue. This narrative holds no water and what we can say is that the security sector is united under the umbrella of the chain of command,” Padilla said in a press briefing in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

“And so anything that are rumors that other players are saying about this, that is contrary to that, to us being united, these are perpetrated by outside players who just want to seek headlines,” she added. 

Last week, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. issued an order removing the Vice President and the past presidents from the list of NSC members. 
Padilla said the military should be spared from any political bickering. 

“We maintain that the Armed Forces of the Philippines is united. We are professional and we are loyal to the constitution and to the flag and we adhere to the Chain of Command,” she said.