Bongbong Marcos slams destabilization plots at PMA graduation

Screengrab from RTVM

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Saturday condemned “blatant attempts at destabilization” during the Philippine Military Academy’s Bagong Sinag Class of 2024 graduation ceremonies in Baguio.

Marcos emphasized that the country is experiencing a rebirth, referring to it as “Bagong Pilipinas” or “New Philippines.”

“This is a time of birth pains—sadly, of opportunism, blatant attempts at destabilization, and last-ditch efforts to cling to the rapidly disappearing past,” Marcos said in his speech. “But we must be resolute. We must hold on. We cannot turn back.”

Former senator Antonio Trillanes recently alleged a plot to overthrow Marcos’ administration, involving police and military officials, primarily from the Davao region.

While Marcos has previously downplayed such plots, his recent statements suggest a full acknowledgment of these attempts.

“I don’t see — wala kaming report na in the ranks. Iyong mga retired baka mayroon, mayroong mga gumagalaw, sumasama sa mga destab na ginagawa,” Marcos said in an interview on May 10.

(We don’t have a report within the ranks. Retired individuals might be the ones moving or joining destabilization efforts.)