Service, not politics remains AFP’s focus

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reaffirmed its commitment to remain apolitical on Sunday, saying it “gets the message” from a recent survey showing overwhelming public opposition to military intervention in politics.

A nationwide poll conducted from 25 to 30 September 2025, found that 70 percent of adult Filipinos oppose the AFP getting involved in political disputes, while only 5 percent supported the idea.

Reacting to the findings, AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the military is focused solely on its constitutional mandate.

“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 DAILY TRIBUNE.

“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,” she added.

The strongest opposition to political involvement came from Mindanao (79 percent) and the National Capital Region (78 percent). The survey cited the public stance reflects a deep-rooted belief in civilian supremacy as enshrined in the 1987 Constitution.

Padilla stressed that the military’s strength comes from its impartiality.

“Our strength isn’t in taking sides, but in standing firm for all,” she said.

The AFP’s reaction comes after the military institution recently rejected “baseless and unfounded” rumors of a coup plot allegedly involving military personnel and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.

Earlier in October, AFP Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. led soldiers in renewing their pledge of allegiance to the AFP Code of Conduct. At the time, Brawner stressed the commitment to professionalism and constitutional duty, stating, “The coup rumors are not true. They are not true.”

Despite the widespread opposition to political intervention, the survey also indicated that the AFP continues to enjoy high favorability, with 73 percent of Filipinos expressing trust in the military and the same percentage reporting satisfaction with its performance.