Trust in the AFP

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is the protector of the people and the State.

You’ve seen this often being quoted again and again from Section 3, Article II (Declaration of Principles and State Policies) of the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines.

And the same section provides that “Its (AFP's) goal is to secure the sovereignty of the State and the integrity of the national territory.”On matters of national security, we can expect our AFP to stand our ground and defend us to external threats.

It is no wonder then that trust in the AFP still remains high.

In the latest July 2025 research survey conducted by OCTA Research, an independent think tank based in the country first recognized for its epidemiological forecasts, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, 81 percent of adult Filipinos expressed trust in the AFP, while 82 percent said they were satisfied with the institution’s performance.

This marked an increase from previous surveys, such as that in April 2025 which showed 65 percent trust and performance ratings.

A vast improvement, indeed, and this was greeted with much gratitude from the AFP leadership.

In a statement, AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said that, “we are especially honored that the AFP remains in the hearts and minds of our fellow citizens.”

“Their trust is both a validation of our steadfast commitment and a call to remain vigilant, disciplined, and dedicated in every domain where we are needed — whether defending our territory, responding to disasters, assisting in development, or confronting emerging challenges in cyberspace.”

Padilla added that, “this independent and non-partisan survey, conducted through rigorous and scientific methodology, reflects not just institutional performance — but the collective trust of the Filipino people, which continues to guide and inspire the men and women in uniform.”

No less than AFP Chief of Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said that the public’s strong support for the military, as shown in the recent OCTA Research survey, has further boosted their resolve to protect the nation and the people.

“This strong public support strengthens our resolve to serve with even greater commitment to protect our nation, uphold our sovereignty, and safeguard our people,” Brawner said in a statement.

Brawner also said that the AFP extends its deepest gratitude to the Filipino people for their “unwavering trust and confidence,” and to President Marcos and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. for their steadfast leadership and guidance, which continue to steer the AFP toward greater excellence in service.

Brawner also commended all Filipino soldiers, airmen, sailors, and marines for their professionalism, dedication, and sacrifice.

He said that the survey results were, in addressing the ranks of the AFP, “a testament to your tireless service, discipline, and devotion to duty in the name of the Filipino people.”

These were inspiring words, no doubt, that would propel the AFP onward and upward, especially with its constitutional duty to the nation.

I have the honor and pleasure of serving the AFP as a member of the AFP Multisectoral Governance Council (MSGC), where I serve as chair of its Strategic Communications Committee.

My role here is to help guide the AFP in implementing its Transition Roadmap, which seeks to modernize the institutions and strengthen accountability.

The AFP MSGC has Francisco del Rosario as its chairperson with the following members: Rex Drilon II; retired Gen. Emmanuel Bautista; Antonino Aquino; Rommel Gavieta; Bishop Noel Pantoja; Bai Rohaniza Sumndad-Usman; Rep. Jude Acidre; Rep. Isidro Ungab; retired Vice Admiral Alexander Pama; lawyer Alex Cabrera; Prof. Victor Manhit; Prof. Jay Batongbacal; Prof. Renato de Castro; and myself.

The MSGC brings together leaders from government, business, and civil society, and is tasked to help the military achieve its long-term vision of becoming a world-class armed forces institution.

Part of my new role is to oversee the committee responsible for shaping the AFP’s communication strategies and public engagement, reinforcing transparency and alignment with national security objectives.

I would like to point out that there are seven MSGC members who are also members, officers, past and present governors of the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP). That also speaks volumes about the MAP’s vaunted reputation as a thought leader — a stable of leaders molded by a strong sense of duty and love for country.

Building public engagement and reinforcing transparency and alignment builds trust.

I acknowledge deeply and humbly the responsibility I carry, and, today, as I turn another year older, I can only pray that my efforts would always be towards the greater good of the AFP and of the Filipino people. *