The relief of an active-duty Army officer who publicly withdrew his support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on 9 January has sparked renewed calls from civil society groups for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to firmly enforce discipline and preserve its apolitical character.

The appeal follows the ongoing investigation into Colonel Audie Mongao, who is facing possible administrative and legal accountability after an online post attributed to him announced the withdrawal of his personal support for the President. AFP officials confirmed Mongao’s temporary relief from post, stressing that the move was part of standard procedure pending investigation.

The case has gained further attention after Mongao’s name was reportedly absent from the 7 January oath-taking of newly promoted generals, prompting speculation online about whether his statement was motivated by principle or personal grievance. The AFP has not drawn any connection between the two events.

Neutrality, not speech

Jose Antonio Goitia, speaking on behalf of several civil society organizations—including Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya, People’s Alliance for Democracy and Reforms, Liga Independencia Pilipinas, and the Filipinos Do Not Yield Movement—said the controversy was not about freedom of expression but about the constitutional obligations of men in uniform.

“In a democracy, dissent is a right of citizens, not a privilege of armed officers,” Goitia said, warning that public political statements by active-duty personnel risk undermining institutional neutrality.

He emphasized that authority within the AFP flows from the Constitution and the sovereign will of the Filipino people, not from the personal approval or disapproval of individual officers toward civilian leaders. Recasting personal dissatisfaction as a moral judgment against elected leadership, he added, could weaken the very constitutional order the military is sworn to defend.

AFP response under scrutiny

The AFP, under the command structure that includes Michael Logico, has said it is handling the matter with both firmness and care, noting that outreach and emotional support are being extended to Mongao while due process runs its course.

Goitia described this approach as a sign of professionalism rather than repression.

“Strength in the Armed Forces comes from firm rules enforced without theatrics,” he said. “Accountability and compassion are equally required of leadership.”

Military officials have reiterated that the incident does not signal broader unrest within the ranks, maintaining that the AFP remains professional, apolitical, and constitutionally anchored despite heightened political noise.