Conduct of the Armed Forces

          Once again the Filipino people turn to the Armed Forces of the Philippines with the hope and expectation of relief and stability during these trying times in the political life of our nation. Once again, the Filipino soldier who has sworn to defend with his life our Constitution and sovereignty is made to affirm his sacred covenant to the people. We must not fail our countrymen.

          The calls by various parties for the president to resign in view of alleged wrong doing is now undergoing a Constitutional process that is legal and within the democratic processes our nation lives within. The respect for the freedom of expression is being demonstrated in our streets. It is our duty to ensure that these freedoms are kept alive.

          The soldiers has the duty to protect this political exercise. He is not expected to intervene in it. To do so would betray the trust given to him by the State and would certainly put his understanding of military professionalism in the eyes of the world in doubt. We must not allow that to happen.

          I am aware of the efforts of some persons, some of them former military, to give a new meaning to what is true professionalism. They are busy enticing some of our personnel to use their units, their office, their uniform, their commission, to express a political preference or meddle in the realm that belongs to politicians. They are convincing some of our men to express their personal opinion in a manner that is below the dignity of the soldier of the Armed Forces such as issuing a manifesto or a group opinion. These manifestations do not belong to the soldier. Our duty is simple: to protect our people by preventing those who would coerce them or threaten their freedoms. The outcome of these political developments would be the result of the Filipino people's collective will, not the soldiers intervention or some officers' expression of grievances.

          Let us reestablish the noble tradition of military professionalism by insulating our officers and men from politics. We owe it to the future generation of our people who seek and dream of seeing a truly respectable Armed Forces.

          I am asking each commander, at all levels, to clarify our role in the political life of our nation. Commanders should act swiftly against any behavior that challenges or breaks away from the chain of command. Military discipline and military justice will prevail and will not be compromised. The strength of our leadership is on the line. This is not the time for weakness.