The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) strongly denounces the deliberate resurfacing and distortion of a 2024 video showing a video call involving then Speaker Martin Romualdez, House Appropriations Chairpersons Zaldy Co, and AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo S. Brawner Jr.
The old clip—taken when Congress approved the long-overdue increase of the subsistence allowance of AFP personnel from P150 to P350—is now being twisted by destabilizers to insinuate that the AFP has been “bought,” “controlled,” or “compromised.” This narrative is false, reckless, and deeply disrespectful to the men and women in uniform.
It is necessary to clarify what truly happened.
In December 2023, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. personally asked General Brawner how else he could help the troops. The Chief of Staff responded candidly: “Sir, maybe we can increase the subsistence allowance of the soldiers. The ₱150 per day is no longer enough for their meals.” The President immediately replied: “Let’s work on that.”
Acting on the President’s directive, the AFP—through Ilocos 1st District Representative Sandro Marcos—coordinated with Rep. Zaldy Co and then Speaker Romualdez in 2024 to ensure that the increase would be properly included in the national budget for 2025.
The initiative began with the President, moved through the appropriate legislative channels, and was anchored entirely on the genuine needs of the soldiers. There was no political bargaining, no exchange of favors, and no compromise of institutional integrity.
To set the record straight: expressing gratitude to lawmakers for supporting a reform that directly benefits soldiers does not, in any form, give anyone control over the Armed Forces. The AFP’s loyalty has never been dictated by political personalities. Its integrity does not hinge on who assists in delivering much-needed improvements for its people. The AFP’s mandate is—and always will be—anchored solely on the Constitution and the Filipino people.
The increase in subsistence allowance was earned by our personnel through years of sacrifice, hardship, and unwavering commitment to duty. Behind every soldier standing guard is a family left behind, months of deployment in remote locations, and the constant threat to life. For those who risk everything so that the nation may live in peace, a modest allowance increase is not a reward or concession—it is a matter of basic dignity.
For many of our troops, the additional P200 a day means a fuller meal, essential hygiene items, and a small but meaningful relief in their daily struggle.
Turning this into a political narrative of control reveals not just malice, but a profound lack of respect for the uniform, the service, and the sacrifices represented by every stripe and insignia.
To the individuals and groups irresponsibly weaponizing an old video to sow distrust and destabilize institutions, we issue this firm warning: stop dragging the AFP into your political theatrics. Stop manufacturing lies to push your agenda at the expense of national stability. Our soldiers and their families do not deserve to be used as pawns in anyone’s political games.
The dignity, loyalty, courage, and integrity of the Filipino soldier cannot be bought—not now, not ever.
The AFP stands firm, united, and unshakeable in its duty to protect the Constitution, defend the Republic, and serve the Filipino people. Disinformation will never shake the Armed Forces. Truth, honor, patriotism, and service will always prevail.///
