The Palace expressed confidence that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) will remain loyal to the Constitution and uphold the chain of command, despite reports of an alleged coup plot and calls by some officials to withdraw support from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s administration.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, Palace Press Officer Usec. Claire Castro said that Marcos has been aware of reports suggesting that small groups within the military considered withdrawing their support from his administration, even prior to the September 21 protests.
"Matagal niya na po itong nalaman kahit naman po before pa September 21 ay mayroong maliliit na grupo na nagsasuggest ng ganito," she said.
However, according to Castro, both AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. and Acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. have assured that the military and police will remain loyal to the Constitution and the chain of command.
She added that the public has no reason for concern over the matter.
"According nga po kay Gen. Brawner at Gen. Nartatez, mananatili po silang loyal sa konstitusyon at sa chain of committee. At wala pong dalawang ipag-alala ang taumbayan patungkol dito," she said.
"Kinikilala niya po ang kagalingan ng AFP at PNP at ang lahat ng kasundaluhan at kapulisan natin at tiwala po sila na gagawin nila ang dapat at nararapat," Castro added.
Despite these attempts, Brawner emphasized that the AFP rejected the proposals from the retired officials. On the police side, Nartatez said no such moves have occurred within the ranks of the PNP.
Regarding whether the calls for military withdrawal could constitute sedition or treason that are punishable by law, Castro said it is still under review and no definitive determination has been made.
"Aaralin po kung ano mismo ang naganap na dito para kung mayroon man pong dapat managot ay siguro po dapat makasuhan," she emphasized.
The incident highlights continuing scrutiny over loyalty within key government institutions, but the Palace maintains that the AFP and PNP remain committed to upholding their duties under the Constitution.
