AFP reaffirms commitment to ‘flag, Constitution amid NSC reorganization

National

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has reaffirmed its commitment and pledge of loyalty to the country and the Constitution following the reorganization made by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the National Security Council (NSC).

AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla addressed issues regarding the “possible rift within the military” after the president's revamp, saying the military “strictly adheres to the chain of command and is committed to serving impartially, in full compliance with the law and democratic processes.”

The military “remains a united and professional organization, loyal to the flag, the Constitution, and the Filipino people,” Padilla said per a report by Inquirer.

Marcos recently issued Executive Order No. 81 series of 2024, reorganizing the NSC and dropping the Vice President and former presidents from its composition.

Vice President Sara Duterte issued a limited statement, saying she was already aware of the matter.

National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo Año, who also serves as the director general of NSC, said Marcos, as the chief executive, has the prerogative to reorganize the composition of NSC as this agency is part of the Office of the President, provided under the Administrative Code of 1987.

Año noted that even past Presidents like Fidel Ramos, Corazon Aquino, and Gloria Macapal Arroyo made revamps on the NSC composition.

“Hence, the purpose of reorganization is to enhance the formulation of the policies relating to national security so that actions and decisions thereon by the President rests on sound advice and accurate information” Año said in a statement.

Marcos’ move also gained support from two senators, Francis Tolentino and Sherwin Gatchalian, who both said the President has the discretion on who to include and not in the NSC.

Gatchalian though believed that the President’s action is because of his strained relationship with Duterte.(LAO)