Pinoys oppose AFP intervention in politics – OCTA

MANILA, Philippines —  Seven in 10 Filipinos are not in favor of military intervention in political disputes, a recent survey by the OCTA Research group showed.

The non-commissioned survey, conducted from Sept. 25 to 30, found that 70 percent of the respondents do not agree with calls from some sectors for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to participate in the current political situation in the Philippines.

Only five percent agreed to military intervention, while 22 percent were undecided. The remaining three percent said they do not know.

The poll was conducted following reports that some retired military officers were actively pushing for a coup to topple the Marcos government.

Across areas, disagreement with AFP intervention in politics was highest among those in Mindanao (79 percent), followed by those in Metro Manila (78 percent), Visayas (71 percent) and rest of Luzon (63 percent).

“The findings make clear that any attempt by the military to settle or influence political disputes would not gain the backing of a majority of Filipinos and would likely be met with broad public opposition,” OCTA said in its analysis of the findings.

“This widespread resistance reflects both the enduring influence of democratic values and the collective memory of past authoritarian rule,” it added.

OCTA noted that while the AFP enjoys strong public confidence, as seen in a recent survey on satisfaction and trust on the military, Filipinos draw “a clear line” between trust in the military as an institution and support for its involvement in politics.

“The public’s trust rests on the AFP’s commitment to remain apolitical and focused on national defense and not on participating in political disputes,” OCTA said.

“Ultimately, these survey results reaffirm the strength of democratic norms in the Philippines and highlight the enduring commitment of Filipinos to uphold civilian and constitutional rule,” added the research firm.

The survey had 1,200 respondents and a margin of error of plus/minus three percent.

Retired officers warn vs junta

The Association of Generals and Flag Officers (AGFO), composed of retired senior officers of the AFP, warned against military junta and any extra-constitutional moves, saying attempts to seize power would be “a catastrophic betrayal of democracy.”

“It would betray the very democratic principles we spent our careers defending and invite devastating consequences that would harm our economy, our international standing, and the daily lives of every Filipino.” AGFO said in a statement on Friday.

It expressed “full and unequivocal support” for the Department of National Defense and the AFP leadership.

The group also said that the military is not the solution to political problems.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. earlier warned of “catastrophic consequences” should any group attempt to undermine civilian authority or constitutional order.

AGFO president Maj. Gen. Gerardo Layug (Ret.) said the group supports Teodoro’s call for unity and adherence to democratic processes.

“We recognize and share the profound, righteous indignation against corruption. This is not a partisan cause; it is a patriotic duty,” AGFO said.

“However, a clear and unambiguous line must be drawn. To peacefully demand accountability from public officials is a protected democratic right. To exploit these legitimate public sentiments to advance a separate, unconstitutional agenda is a betrayal of the very people and institutions we are sworn to protect,” it said.  – Pia Lee-Brago