PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday urged the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to remain loyal to the Constitution and the Filipino people, reminding them of their duty to uphold the rule of law and defend democracy.
During the oath-taking ceremony at Malacañang for newly promoted generals and flag officers, Marcos said their rank advancement is more than a career milestone—it is a renewal of their pledge to remain loyal to 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 take 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.
Marcos’s remarks come as protesters, angered by a corruption scandal involving flood control projects, have called on the military to withdraw its support from the government.
The protests, which started across the country since September 15, follow a scandal surrounding flood control projects, implicating lawmakers, officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and contractors.
A large protest, organized by religious and civil society groups, is set for September 21 to coincide with the anniversary of the 1972 Martial Law declaration.
Marcos has formed the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), to investigate suspected corruption in infrastructure contracts from the past decade.
The probe will begin by reviewing flood control projects, with retired Supreme Court associate justice Andres Reyes Jr. leading the commission.
