No reason to doubt military loyalty to Constitution – Galvez

September 12, 2018

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff General Carlito Galvez said on Wednesday that there was no reason to doubt the loyalty to the Constitution of the 145,000-strong military.

Galvez issued a statement following the reported divisiveness and rumblings within the military in the wake of President Rodrigo Duterte's issuance of Proclamation No. 572, voiding the amnesty granted to opposition Senator Antonio Trillanes IV by former President Benigno Aquino III.

"I recommit to the nation the unity and firm resolve of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for an unflinching loyalty to the Constitution and the duly constituted authorities," he said.

"I assure our people, and there is no reason to doubt, that the 145,000-strong soldiers, airmen, sailors and marines of the AFP are solidly behind the chain-of-command," he added.

He expressed confidence that the soldiers would decline firmly any and all attempts to create a wedge in the AFP.

"And they will do so more for the reason of their oath than it is for fear of severe consequences of relief from post, investigation, and steep penalties under the Military Justice system," Galvez added.

Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana assured that despite the Supreme Court's decision denying the petition filed by Trillanes for the issuance of a temporary restraining order on the implementation of Proclamation 572, the senator would not be apprehended without warrant of arrest.

"Correct, no warrant, no arrest," he said.

Malacanang has said that with the proclamation, Trillanes could be arrested by the military to face court martial proceedings for his involvement in the two coup attempts against then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Robina Asido/DMS