Soldiers told anew to shun partisan politics

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin warned military men on Tuesday not to engage in partisan politics in view of the upcoming May 2016 elections.

“In anticipation of the forthcoming national elections in May 2016, I wish to remind the members of the Armed Forces to strictly abide with their constitutional mandate, that they should not be involved in partisan politics, and they shall not engage directly or indirectly in any partisan political activity, except to vote,” Gazmin said in his speech during the New Year’s Call at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

The New Year’s Call is a tradition wherein military officers welcome the new year by renewing their pledge in a social gathering and celebrating events of the past year.

At the AFP’s 79th anniversary last December, President Benigno Aquino III also reminded soldiers to avoid getting involved in partisan politics.

“2016 is near and we know that during election season, there are those who will insist on using you for their personal interests. This is what the people are telling you: It is your duty to ensure that there will be orderly elections, it is expected that you will remain on the side of the people,” Aquino said in Filipino.

Gazmin wished the “continued” good health and well-being of Aquino. He also asked the defense and military officers to reaffirm their pledge to protect human rights, respect international humanitarian law and obey the rule of law.

“We must likewise continuously re-assess and strengthen our protective and survival techniques and strategies, to ensure that our citizens are kept from harm during the onslaught of natural disasters and calamities,” Gazmin said.

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