President Bongbong Marcos gathered the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) top sergeants major in Malacañang for the Traditional Dinner with the AFP Council Sergeants Major, using the event to deliver a firm appeal for unity as online coup chatter from a small group of retired officers continues to circulate.
Joining the President were DND Secretary Gibo Teodoro, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., and AFP Sergeant Major FCMS Feliciano Lazo, along with the service and unit sergeants major who uphold discipline, morale, and cohesion within the ranks.
Addressing rising disinformation and destabilization noise, Marcos urged the AFP’s backbone to stay focused amid “geopolitical tensions,” economic pressures, and manipulated online narratives.
“In these challenging times when uncertainty tries to cloud our vision, one truth remains clear: Our republic endures because those who protect it do not fall,” he said.
He cautioned troops against misinformation meant to sow division.
“‘Wag tayo magpapadala sa ingay ng kasinungalingan sa gitna ng pagpapakalat ng maling impormasyon para sa ating pagkakawatak-watak. Tumindig tayo sa katotohanan,”
Marcos added, underscoring the AFP’s duty to remain loyal to the Constitution and safeguard the Filipino people.
The President also cited the increase in the daily subsistence allowance for enlisted personnel from ₱200 to ₱350, calling it a modest but meaningful acknowledgment of their service.
For his part, Lazo assured Marcos of the military’s commitment: “We reaffirm our pledge to the flag, to the Constitution and our duly elected Commander-in-Chief and that is you.”
He reiterated that soldiers “remain highly professional, disciplined, united in purpose,” and apolitical, while also noting ongoing professional development initiatives and efforts to establish a warrant officer system.