PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. yesterday told the Armed Forces (AFP) to remain loyal to the Constitution and the Filipino people, reminding them to continue upholding the rule of law and defending democracy.
During the oath-taking ceremony of newly promoted generals and flag officers in Malacañang, the President said their oath as higher-ranking officials is not just a milestone in their career but also a renewal of their pledge “that your loyalty remains with the Constitution and the Filipino people.”
“Huwag kalimutan: Ang panunumpa ninyo ngayon ay sa Republika at sa bawat Pilipinong nagtitiwala na, dahil sa inyo, sila ay mabubuhay nang ligtas at may dangal (Do not forget: The oath you took today is to the Republic and to every Filipino who trusts that, because of you, they will live safely and with dignity),” Marcos said.
“Always act with integrity, uphold the rule of law, defend our democracy,” he added.
The President’s reminders come on the heels of massive protests against corruption and calls for the uniformed service to withdraw their support from the government due to massive corruption following the discovery of anomalous flood control projects.
Marcos had formed the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), led by retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres Reyes Jr., to investigate suspected anomalous infrastructure projects in the past 10 years, starting with the flood control projects.
Several protest actions against corruption have started across the country since September 15.
A major demonstration, to be participated in by members of religious groups and civil society, has been set for September 21, which coincides with the anniversary of the issuance of Proclamation 1081 that placed the Philippines under martial law in 1972.
During the event, the President again recognized the contributions of the AFP, from their continued defense of the country to their immediate disaster response and humanitarian assistance during calamities such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and typhoons, not just in the country but in other nations as well, such as Myanmar.
Marcos also recognized the AFP’s involvement in various joint and multinational exercises that helped boost the country’s international defense posture, such as Balikatan 40, Exercise ALON with Australia, Talisman Sabre, and engagements with partners across the Indo-Pacific.
He said these drills, training, simulations, and command exercises help the AFP in maintaining its readiness and improving its tactical responsiveness to ensure that it is prepared to defend the country.
He said the military should also continue to strengthen its presence across various domains as geopolitical challenges evolve.
“And as your Commander-in-Chief, I call on you to continue to strengthen our presence in the air, on land, and at sea. We must guard the peace we have gained and deepen our ties with partners who also envision a freer, more stable region,” the President said.
Marcos reassured the AFP anew that his administration “will do the best we can to provide you with the resources and benefits so that you can focus on your duty.”
NOT MORE THAN 10K?
The PNP yesterday said it expects not more than 10,000 individuals to show up for the September 21 mass protest against corruption in government flood control projects.
Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño, chief of the PNP’s Public Information Office, reiterated the readiness of the police force to ensure peace and order during the protests, which are planned at Luneta Park in Manila and at the EDSA People Power Monument.
“Overall, it won’t reach 10,000,” Tuaño told a press briefing at Camp Crame, referring to the crowd estimate of concerned police units.
Tuaño said the estimate is based on open-source information and intelligence reports.
“The PNP is ready for the September 21 rallies,” said Tuaño, adding they have been preparing for this since Friday last week.
“The PNP has been preparing since September 12 because we have been receiving open source information and intelligence information about the protests,” said Tuaño, adding the National Capital Region Police Office is already on heightened alert.
Tuaño said up to 50,335 policemen will be deployed to ensure peace and order during the September 21 protests.
Of the number, Tuaño said 23,201 personnel will be “directly involved” in the maintenance of peace and order during the rally.
“If we’re going to include those who will be involved in police visibility, traffic assistance, checkpoints, CDM (civil disturbance management), it will reach 50,335,” said Tuaño.
Tuaño urged the protesters to ensure their program would be conducted in an orderly manner, even as he stressed the PNP will be observing “maximum tolerance.”
“Policemen will be applying the same formula (as in previous rallies). We will be present, we will be observing maximum tolerance, and we will allow the people to express their sentiments,” said Tuaño.
“While the PNP will respect their freedom of expression, peaceful assembly… we are not going to allow violations of the law,” said Tuaño.
CBCP-NASSA’S CALL
The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) – National Secretariat for Social Action (NASSA) yesterday called on all archdioceses and dioceses in Metro Manila to send their respective contingents to the “Trillion Peso March” set on Sunday at the People Power Monument in Quezon City.
In a letter addressed to all bishops and archbishops in the country, the CBCP-NASSA called for widespread participation in the activity aimed at crying for justice and accountability over the anomalous flood control projects.
“Our action to mobilize this coming Sunday, the 21st, is part of strengthening people’s participation as well as the goal to educate and mobilize,” said CBCP-NASSA.
“For the arch-dioceses in and around the greater Metropolitan Manila area, please plan and organize to send a contingent to join the mobilization,” it added.
The Ecclesiastical Province of Manila is composed of the Archdiocese of Manila as well as the Dioceses of Antipolo, Cubao, Imus, Kalookan, Malolos, Novaliches, Parañaque, Pasig, and San Pablo.
The CBCP-NASSA said Pinoys in the rest of the country are urged to participate in similar activities demanding justice and accountability.
“We encourage you to join similar mobilizations in your arch/dioceses,” said CBCP-NASSA.
TBCP-NASSA is set to participate in the activity organized by the Church Leaders Council for National Transformation and hundreds of civil society organizations.
It said those who will participate should maintain focus on the issue of corruption, particularly in addressing corruption in the substandard, unfinished, and ghost flood control projects and other infrastructure projects.
They should also be one with everybody in demanding the truth to know the guilty parties involved in the public and private sectors, as well as in exacting accountability and pursuing justice.
“Let us be active in pursuing the truth, accountability, and justice,” said CBCP-NASSA.
At least 211 church groups, political parties, universities, civil society organizations, and youth and student movements, as well as 56 individuals, have expressed their support for the protest actions. – With Victor Reyes and Gerard Naval
