The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) warned that some retired military officials and personnel may lose their monthly pensions if found guilty of spreading fake news or inciting active officers and soldiers to withdraw support from the government.
The statement came following reports that several retired officials were allegedly urging the military to turn against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
According to the AFP, the highest-ranking retired officer under monitoring is a two-star general who currently receives a ₱160,000 monthly pension.
The AFP’s legal team is now examining possible legal actions against individuals spreading misinformation or statements that could incite sedition.
“Kapag tumatanggap ng pensiyon sa gobyerno it follows na dapat may pananagutan ka sa tinatanggap mo,” said Rear Admiral Roy Trinidad, Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, during a Saturday forum.
He added, “Ang problema ngayon pati mga retired, pilit binabago ang katotohanan. Hahaluhan ng mali, fake news para guluhin ang kaisipan ng kasundaluhan. Kung ang problema ay corruption, ang sagot doon ay higpitan ang project management, hindi umaklas ang militar.”
AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla stated that the agency is now reviewing the pension code for retirees who may be involved in acts of incitement.
“Civilian nga po category nila, but ito nga po sabi natin since nagre-receive sila ng pension pag-aaralan natin how this will fall into play,” Padilla said, warning that court-martial proceedings may be considered.
“The AFP is not gonna take this sitting down,” she added firmly.
AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner earlier admitted that some retired officers were attempting to influence the military’s loyalty to the Marcos administration.
Meanwhile, Malacañang maintained that any destabilization attempt would fail, emphasizing that only a small faction of former generals is involved.
“Mukhang hindi kakayanin eh dahil nagsalita na si General Brawner na mayroon kumakausap talaga sa kanila, ex-generals na supporter ng mga Duterte,” said Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro.
AFP Public Affairs Chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad also dismissed rumors that President Marcos had ordered the removal of AFP pensions, calling such claims “baseless, malicious, and intended to mislead.”
“The AFP categorically states that there is no such directive, statement, or policy from the President or any government agency,” Trinidad clarified.