Brawner urges AFP to uphold code amid fresh coup rumors

MANILA, Philippines — Armed Forces chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. is encouraging all commanders, chiefs of offices, and sergeants major to disseminate and remind the military of its own code of conduct, he said in a speech on Monday, October 6, amid fresh rumors of a military-led plot to oust President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. 

Speaking at the commemoration of the 35th anniversary of the AFP Code of Conduct and the launch of the logo for the military’s 90th founding anniversary, Brawner reminded officers and enlisted personnel to return to the principles that have guided the institution for decades. 

“Strength without integrity is hollow,” Brawner said. “The code guides us to remain disciplined, principled and worthy of the trust that our people place in us.”

The AFP Code of Conduct was adopted in 1990 after a string of destabilization attempts against the government.

Brawner said the code serves as the armed forces’ moral compass, demanding the “highest standards of honor, service and patriotism” from every member of the organization.

“At a time when the lines of morality are blurred and public scrutiny is sharp, the code guides us to remain disciplined, principled and worthy of the trust that our people place in us,” he said. “Let us not break the trust of our countrymen in the armed forces.”

Brawner’s reminder to the AFP came as the military continues to face questions about its loyalty amid unsubstantiated reports of a coup plot against Marcos.

Talks of ouster. Last week, the AFP chief revealed that a group of retired officers had reached out to him and other commanders to suggest withdrawing support from the president — a proposal he said was immediately rejected.

Brawner said the officers had floated ideas that included the installation of a “military junta” for a “reset of the entire Philippine society,” but that the AFP leadership remained firm in its constitutional mandate.

Malacañang has also earlier dismissed rumors of unrest, saying the president “has full trust in our military that they will remain steadfast.”

Amid 'noise.' At Monday’s ceremony, Brawner thanked troops for staying focused on their duties despite “political noise” and “chaos” around them. 

“Let us continue working well for our country. Do not be bothered by what’s happening now. Just focus on our jobs,” he said. “I’m proud of how we have matured into a professional and disciplined armed forces.”

The event also included the unveiling of the AFP’s 90th anniversary logo, themed “Matatag na Sandatahang Lakas, Sandigan ng Bagong Pilipinas.”