Military reaffirms resolve to serve with integrity
SEVENTY-FIVE percent of Filipinos “strongly trust” the Armed Forces, according to a survey conducted by Octa Research from November 10 to 16 last year, but the trust rating went south by five percentage points from the 80 percent trust rating it received in a survey held in June 2024 and by six percentage points (81 percent) from a survey conducted in December 2023.
Octa Research said two percent of the respondents in the November 2024 survey “strongly distrust” the AFP, 16 percent “strongly trust,” 59 percent “somewhat trust,” and 2 percent “somewhat distrust” the military.
Responding to the survey results, AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said: “The AFP expresses our gratitude for the unwavering trust and support of the Filipino people. With this, your AFP reaffirms our resolve to serve with integrity, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to the nation.
“This overwhelmingly positive response reaffirms the Filipino people’s continued confidence in the institution’s dedication to national security and service,” Padilla added.
One hundred percent of the respondents from the Cordillera Autonomous Region strongly trust the AFP, 99 percent of the respondents from the Negros Island Region shared the same trust level, 97 percent were from the Western Mindanao region, and 95 percent of the respondents were from the Bicol Region.
Only 48 percent of the respondents from the Cagayan Valley region strongly trust the AFP, and 60 percent of the respondents had the same trust level for the AFP in Central Luzon.
“Across age groups, the AFP’s trust rating ranges from +67 to +82. Its net trust rating is highest among adult Filipinos aged 75 and above and lowest among (those) aged 18 to 24,” the Octa Research said in the survey, which was released yesterday.
The AFP had a high trust rating of 83 percent in rural areas and 69 percent in urban areas. Men composed 79 percent of those who strongly trust the AFP, while 71 percent were women.
Eighty-four percent of the respondents who had high trust level had no formal education or were elementary graduates, 71 percent finished high school, 76 took up vocational classes, and 78 percent had college degrees or had finished post-graduate studies.
Among those who strongly distrust the AFP, two percent were from the urban areas and one percent from the rural areas. One percent were men and 3 percent were female.
One percent of those who strongly distrust the AFP had finished elementary or had no formal education, 2 percent finished high school, and 1 percent were college graduates or post-graduate degree holders.
“The latest TNM (Tugon ng Masa) survey conducted in November 2024 reveals that about 76 percent of adult Filipinos are satisfied with the overall accomplishments of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, while only 2 percent were dissatisfied, resulting in a net satisfaction rating of plus minus 74 percent,” the research company said.
“Across major areas, the AFP’s net satisfaction rating is consistently high, with at least +75 in most areas except for Balance Luzon (+67). Additionally, the AFP’s net satisfaction ratings show no major differences across socioeconomic classes,” it added.
The survey was done through face-to-face interviews with 1,200 registered voters who were asked what their opinions were on the current political, social, economic issues, and personal, and household information.
‘STEADFAST COMMITMENT’
Padilla attributed the high trust rating to the AFP’s “steadfast commitment” in safeguarding the nation, upholding its constitutional mandate, and ensuring transparency and professionalism in its dealings.
“From external defense efforts to disaster response and peacekeeping initiatives, your AFP remains steadfast in our duty to protect the sovereignty and welfare of the Filipino people,” said Padilla.
Padilla reiterated the military’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with the people “through continued service, modernization, and adherence to democratic values.”
AFP public affairs chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said: “This rating has remained consistently high since June 2024, reflecting public approval of the AFP’s efforts.
“Trust in the AFP is equally strong, with 75% of Filipinos expressing trust in the military, resulting in a net trust rating of +73,” said Trinidad.
Trinidad said the survey also highlighted “strong support” for the AFP’s modernization, with 79% of Filipinos emphasizing the importance of improving the military capability for national security.
“It also underscored the importance of international partnerships, as 78% of Filipinos expressed support for strengthening alliances and cooperation with other like-minded nations. Furthermore, an overwhelming 83% of respondents affirmed their belief in the AFP’s political neutrality, viewing it as essential for ensuring safe, fair, and peaceful elections,” said Trinidad
“As the AFP remains steadfast in its mission, the results of the OCTA Research survey emphasize the importance of supporting AFP’s modernization efforts, as well as its role in maintaining regional and global peace and security,” added Trinidad.
