Philippine Military Chief Rejects Calls to Oust President Marcos
Romeo Brawner Jr., the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief, has publicly stated that he rejected calls from retired military officers to remove President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The incident occurred amidst growing domestic tensions over the administration’s intensified efforts to combat corruption within the government.
Details of the Attempted Intervention
General Brawner reported that some retired officers engaged in what he termed "recruitment activities," directly contacting him and other commanders in an attempt to convince them to intervene and potentially orchestrate a coup. These attempts, according to Brawner, were ultimately unsuccessful due to the professionalism and commitment to constitutional order within the armed forces. Bloomberg and The Strait Times reported extensively on the issue.
Military's Stance on Political Intervention
Brawner emphasized the potential negative consequences of military intervention, stating, “Once the military intervenes, it will set us back several years. Investors will start pulling out.” He expressed confidence that the military would maintain its professional integrity and resist any calls to unseat the president. This stance highlights the AFP's commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining stability within the Philippines.
Underlying Grievances and Political Context
The retirees' grievances reportedly stemmed from dissatisfaction with President Marcos. Contributing factors include Marcos's public disagreements with Vice-President Sara Duterte, particularly concerning the investigation into former President Rodrigo Duterte by the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes related to his administration's drug war. Additionally, the Marcos administration's anti-corruption campaign, focusing on flood-control projects, has triggered public protests reflecting broader concerns about governance and accountability. These protests, which occurred in September, demonstrate growing public dissatisfaction.
Commitment to Stability and Professionalism
The Philippine military's rejection of these calls underscores a commitment to institutional professionalism and a stable political environment. Despite existing challenges and internal tensions, the armed forces have demonstrated a commitment to upholding constitutional order and safeguarding the nation from potential political instability, as emphasized by slguardian.org.
