Military warns retired officers against crossing legal boundaries amid political calls online
MANILA (October 22) – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reminded retired soldiers that while they are free to voice opinions, even on political issues, that freedom stops where the law begins.
AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the military “respects the right of every Filipino, including veterans, to speak and express their views,” but warned that such rights come with limits.
“We are not curtailing anyone’s freedom,” Padilla said on PTV-4’s “Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon.” “But we must all remember there are red lines under existing laws.”
The reminder came after some retired officers reportedly urged the AFP to withdraw support from the Marcos administration over alleged anomalies in government flood control projects.
Padilla said the AFP’s legal office is reviewing whether any laws may have been violated, emphasizing that due process will be followed.
“It will go through review and investigation. Only if proven will sanctions apply,” she said.
AFP Public Affairs Office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad earlier denied reports of a destabilization plot within the ranks, saying the military remains “professional, loyal, and apolitical.”
He also cautioned the public against dragging active or retired soldiers into partisan agendas.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., through Executive Order No. 94, has ordered the creation of an independent body to investigate alleged irregularities in flood control and infrastructure projects.
“We uphold the Constitution and remain loyal to the chain of command,” Padilla said. “Freedom of expression must never be used to undermine democracy.”
