AFP dismisses claims of rift with Teodoro, generals’ complaint

MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday brushed aside claims that a majority of its generals were preparing to file complaints against Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., describing the allegation as a “joke” and denying reports of tensions between the military and the country’s top defense official.

AFP spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad (Reserve) said there was no basis for claims that senior military officers were planning to join a complaint recently filed against Teodoro.

“On the legal side, I would like to defer to the Department of National Defense (DND) for the merits of the case,” Trinidad said in a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

“On the claim that the majority of generals of the AFP would be filing a similar case, that is a joke that should be laughed at and not replied to,” he added.

READ: DND: Raps vs Gibo Teodoro a fishing expedition 

Asked whether there was friction between Teodoro and the military leadership, Trinidad again rejected the allegation.

“No such (tension) exists. Laugh at it. It’s a good joke,” he said.

The remarks came days after a lawyer filed complaints against Teodoro, accusing him of perjury and falsification in connection with his reported possession of a Maltese passport. The lawyer later claimed that a majority of AFP generals were considering filing similar cases and alleged growing tensions between the defense chief and the military.

AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla likewise said the military would not be drawn into what she described as unverified accusations.

“We will not dignify baseless and unverified allegations that seek to drag our institution into matters that are driven by personal motives,” Padilla said.

She echoed an earlier DND statement characterizing the complaint as a “fishing expedition” and questioning the timing of the allegations.

“The intent is malicious and also the timing is very dubious,” Padilla said.

Padilla stressed that the AFP remained a “professional, disciplined and non-partisan organization” focused on its constitutional mandate of defending the country and protecting national security.

“We stand by Secretary Teodoro as our Defense Secretary, and we will not dignify these claims,” she said.

She also denied suggestions that military leaders were being asked to reaffirm their support for Teodoro.

“There is no loyalty check. It is not necessary,” Padilla said, adding that AFP commanders had assured headquarters that troops remained under control and professional in carrying out their duties.

The DND earlier said the complaint against Teodoro was based on unverified allegations and maintained that accusations must be supported by competent evidence rather than speculation. /das