Marcos admin, Congress draw support from retired AFP generals

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (INQUIRER.net file photo/Ryan Leagogo)

MANILA, Philippines — Four groups of retired Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) generals have assured Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez that ex-military officials support the current administration and both houses of Congress, amid rumors of destabilization plots.

Information from Romualdez’ office showed that 22 retired generals attended a meeting with the speaker that was facilitated by the Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association (PMAAAI), Association of Generals and Flag Officers (AGFO), Philippine Military Academy Retirees Association Inc. (PMARAI), and National ROTC Alumni Association, Inc. (NARAAI).

According to the retired officials, there is no truth to allegations that PMA alumni and other former AFP officials are backing moves to destabilize President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s administration.

“We are all here today, united, to air our support to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr, his administration and the leadership of the House of Representatives and the Senate,” PMAAAI chairman and retired Admiral Danilo Abinoja said, as relayed by Romualdez’ office.

“We continue to abide by and vow to defend the Constitution, and the duly-constituted authorities. That is our oath, then and until now,” he added.

Abinoja also informed Romualdez that other military schools are supportive of the Marcos administration.

 “In fact, the Association of Service Academies of the Philippines is issuing a manifesto of support to President Marcos and his administration,” he said.

Meanwhile, retired Maj. Gen. Marlou Salazar who is vice president of NARRAI said they are against any destabilization attempt against the administration, as it would disrupt the stability in government.

PMARAI chairman and retired Gen. Raul Gonzales also shared the same sentiments, noting that the PMA Class ’75 has issued a resolution condemning “abhorring acts that undermine the economic, social and political gains that the current administration has put up over the years”.

Romualdez thanked the retired generals for visiting him and sharing their stand against alleged destabilization efforts.

“We, in the House of Representatives, are happy to receive you here and listen to you. Words are not enough to express our gratitude to all of you. We are always sensitive, responsive and reflective of what you have to say even after you left the service,” the Speaker said.

“Now that you are civilians, you have the whole perspective from outside given the years of service that you have given to the nation. We value all that you share here today,” he added.

Over the latter part of 2023, there were rumors that several  former military officials were displeased with the current administration and were out to destabilize the government. 

The rumors even prompted the AFP chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. to warn troops against joining destabilization efforts, although AFP eventually clarified that no such movement exists as of now.