21/09/2025
What is the stand of the Armed Forces of the Philippines when there is corruption happening? Is it loyal to the state, or the government?
Let’s break it down using the Constitution, doctrine, and history.
1. The AFP is loyal to the State, not just the Government
According to Article II, Section 3 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution:
“The Armed Forces of the Philippines is the protector of the people and the State.”
“Its goal is to secure the sovereignty of the State and the integrity of the national territory.”
This wording is deliberate.
• The State is permanent — it includes the people, territory, sovereignty, and government.
• The Government is the temporary leadership — the current administration or elected officials.
So when the Constitution says the AFP is the “protector of the people and the State”, it means the AFP is not just a tool of whoever is in power. Its allegiance is to the Filipino people and the principles of democracy.
2. When corruption happens, the AFP is expected to protect the people and the Constitution
Corruption — especially when systemic — can threaten:
• The integrity of public service
• National security
• Public trust in government
In such cases, the AFP must side with the State and the Constitution, even if it means investigating or acting against members of the current government.
Historically:
• During the EDSA People Power Revolution (1986), top military officials (like Gen. Fidel V. Ramos and Defense Secretary Juan Ponce Enrile) withdrew support from the Marcos regime, citing corruption and abuse. They chose to support the people and democratic institutions, not the government in power.
3. Legal doctrine: AFP must remain apolitical, but uphold constitutional order
The AFP is bound by law to:
• Remain non-partisan
• Not engage in political activities
• But still intervene to uphold constitutional order, especially if the government acts outside legal bounds (e.g. a coup, or state-sponsored corruption)
This balance is delicate. The military should not interfere in politics, but must refuse unlawful orders or participation in corrupt activities.
4. So where does the AFP stand when corruption is happening?
The AFP should:
• Investigate and hold its own personnel accountable
• Support constitutional mechanisms (COA, Ombudsman, courts)
• Refuse to protect corrupt officials if doing so violates law or endangers the people
The AFP should NOT:
• Serve blindly under a corrupt administration
• Be used to silence whistleblowers or civil society
• Stage a coup or act unconstitutionally in the name of “cleansing” the government
Final Thought:
When there is corruption, the AFP’s role is to protect the Filipino people and the democratic State — even if that means standing against corrupt individuals in government.
Its loyalty is to the Constitution, not to any politician or party.
If you’re looking for a concise thesis-like statement, here it is:
“In times of corruption, the Armed Forces of the Philippines must uphold its constitutional duty to the people and the State, not the transient interests of any corrupt government or official. Its ultimate loyalty lies with the rule of law, democratic principles, and national integrity.”
