Majority of Filipinos oppose military intervention in politics—survey

The majority of adult Filipinos do not support the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) intervening in political matters, according to a recent survey.

The nationwide poll revealed that 70 percent of respondents oppose AFP involvement in political disputes, while only 5 percent agree. Meanwhile, 22 percent said they were undecided.

The strongest opposition came from Mindanao (79 percent) and the National Capital Region (78 percent), indicating widespread resistance to any perceived politicization of the military.

“An overwhelming majority of Filipinos reject the idea of military intervention in politics, reaffirming their strong commitment to civilian supremacy, democratic stability, and constitutional governance,” the survey stated.

The study emphasized that the public’s stance reflects both a deep-rooted belief in civilian control as enshrined in the 1987 Constitution and a wariness toward any return to military-led governance.

“The findings make clear that any attempt by the military to settle or influence political disputes would not gain the backing of a majority of Filipinos and would likely be met with broad public opposition,” the report noted.

The survey also pointed out that trust in the AFP stems from its professionalism and apolitical character rather than from political engagement.

Despite this, the survey also showed that the AFP continues to enjoy high trust and satisfaction ratings, with 73 percent of Filipinos saying they trust the military and the same percentage expressing satisfaction with its performance.

Meanwhile, 80 percent of Filipinos said they prefer democracy, underscoring what OCTA described as “strong public support for civilian rule and constitutional governance.”

The survey, conducted from September 25 to 30, 2025, involved 1,200 respondents nationwide and had a ±3 percent margin of error at a 95 percent confidence level.

AFP: We don’t play politics

Reacting to the survey, AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the military “gets the message” and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to remain apolitical.

“The AFP notes the survey — and we get the message. Filipinos want their Armed Forces focused on service, not sides. And that’s exactly where we stand,” Padilla told the Daily Tribune in a Viber message on Sunday.

“We don’t play politics; we play our part — to guard the nation, uphold the Constitution, and keep peace steady no matter how loud the noise gets. Our strength isn’t in taking sides but in standing firm for all,” she added.

In a time full of noise and narratives, Padilla said the military would rather keep its “boots on the ground and eyes on the mission.”

The AFP earlier rejected rumors of a coup plot allegedly involving the military and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., which arose amid massive calls to withdraw support for the government.

“The public is warned in the strongest terms against a vile and malicious fabrication now circulating online,” the AFP previously said, calling the alleged coup plot “baseless and unfounded.”

Earlier in October, AFP Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. led soldiers in renewing their pledge of allegiance to the AFP Code of Conduct, marking its 35th anniversary — a reaffirmation of the military’s commitment to professionalism and constitutional duty.

“The coup rumors are not true. They are not true,” he said.