Junta float sinks, at least for AFP

Talk of a civilian-military junta to unseat President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appears dead in the water — at least as far as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (afp) is concerned.

This was after top generals and retired officers reaffirmed their loyalty to the Constitution and rejected any role in destabilization efforts.

The AFP publicly dismissed speculation that elements within the military were preparing to seize power or install an alternative leadership, saying the institution “remains a pillar of stability and a steadfast guardian of democracy.”

It lauded the Association of General and Flag Officers (AGFO) for issuing a “Manifesto of Unwavering Support and Solidarity,” which underscored military adherence to civilian authority.

“This expression of confidence from leaders who dedicated the prime of their lives to service deeply affirms the shared commitment of both active and retired officers to uphold the Constitution, respect civilian authority, and preserve the professionalism of the military institution,” the AFP said in a statement.

AGFO, composed of senior officers across the AFP, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and Bureau of Fire Protection, invoked Article XVI, Section 5 of the Constitution mandating that the military stay out of partisan politics.

Rumors of a junta surfaced amid nationwide demonstrations calling for swift action on alleged anomalies in flood-control projects and claims that allies of the President were being shielded from prosecution.

Reports had even suggested some retired officers wanted Vice President Sara Duterte to take over.

Senator Ping Lacson rekindled the discussion this month after confirming that former military officers approached him to join the supposed junta — an invitation he rejected for being “unconstitutional.”

Still, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner was already fending off coup and junta talks as early as October.

Akbayan Rep. Perci Cendaña said the junta narrative was nothing more than a political ploy.

“They call it a civil-military junta — that’s really fake news,” he said in Filipino. “The one who holds power under an extra-constitutional situation like a junta is the one who controls the weapons and force. In that case, it’s a military takeover.”

He cautioned the public not to be swayed by groups pushing for a power shift under the guise of reform.

“It should be the interest of the people that should prevail, and not the interest of a few political forces and families who are desperate to return to power,” he said.

The junta rumors add another layer of intrigue to ongoing corruption investigations that have implicated several officials, including former Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co.

Co has accused Marcos of receiving kickbacks from budget insertions related to flood-control projects. Marcos has dismissed the allegations and challenged Co to return from abroad and repeat the accusations “to his face.”