AFP maintains professionalism amid ‘pressure’

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday maintained that no political pressure could influence the professionalism and integrity of the military organization.

In the past weeks, the AFP has been urged to take sides amid the ongoing political rift. However, the military insisted that it “remains steadfast in its sworn duty to protect the Filipino people, defend the Constitution, and uphold democracy.”

“The AFP will not be swayed by political pressures and remains focused on its core mission: securing the nation and serving the Filipino people with integrity,” it said in a statement and stressed that soldiers are expected to remain neutral and refrain from participating in political discussions.

“Any concerns about governance should be resolved through lawful and democratic means,” said the AFP.

Maintaining its non-partisan nature, the AFP said that taking political sides would compromise the integrity of the military institution and could threaten the stability of the democratic system.

“The strength of our democracy lies in respecting institutions, following due process, ensuring justice through established legal channels, and selecting executive and legislative officials through elections,” the AFP said.

It also pointed out that its organization is meant to serve the people impartially and ensure that political power remains with elected leaders, not with the military.

“The 1987 Constitution is clear — the Armed Forces is a non-partisan institution. Section 5(3), Article XVI explicitly prohibits military personnel from engaging in political activities,” it said and stressed that neglecting this principle could weaken public trust in the military and threaten the foundation of democracy.

“Any deviation from this principle would undermine the very democracy we are bound to protect,” it said.