President Bongbong Marcos on Monday called on the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to remain politically neutral as the government confronts a wave of corruption scandals and rumors of destabilization plots.
Addressing 638 new officers from the Air Force, Navy, and Army at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, Marcos warned the AFP against being pulled into partisan conflicts, stressing that their loyalty must rest solely on the nation.
“The AFP must always rise above politics. Your loyalty must not be for any individual or any faction, but only to the Republic,” he told the graduates.
His message came amid reports of a supposed coup plot allegedly backed by retired military officers sympathetic to Vice President Sara Duterte.
Marcos said the military’s integrity must hold firm as the administration pursues cases tied to “ghost” and anomalous infrastructure projects—an effort he vowed to “finish” and “not abandon.”
He reminded the new officers that corruption remains an ever-present danger.
“There will be moments when your integrity will be tested. Corruption and dishonesty can manifest in many forms. Kaya piliin ninyo lagi ang tama, piliin ninyo ang bayan, piliin ninyo ang katapatan at ang kapayapaan,” he said.
Marcos also emphasized the moral responsibility carried by every soldier.
“By becoming full-fledged officers, your integrity is carried in your uniform,” he told them.
The President led the presentation of diplomas and awards for the top graduates of the Kahimdaliyan Class 2025 (PAF), Sagmaraya Class 2025 (Navy), and Bumannawag Class 2025 (Army).
He highlighted the continued modernization of the AFP—including new radars, vessels, aircraft, and strengthened defense cooperation with Japan, the United States, and Australia.
Marcos’ final message to the troops was clear and direct: stay clean, stay firm, stay focused.