Former president Rodrigo Duterte (Malacañang photo)

Spare the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) from political intrigues. 

House Majority Leader Zamboanga City 2nd district Rep Manuel Jose Dalipe issued this appeal Sunday, Nov. 19 to former president Rodrigo Duterte, who in his most recent rant on television insinuated that members of the uniformed service were involved in political activities. 

Dalipe said linking the AFP and PNP to partisan intrigues that could raise questions about the professionalism and neutrality of the uniformed service. 

"I respectfully appeal to former President Rodrigo Duterte to recognize the paramount importance of keeping our armed forces and national police free from partisan politics. These institutions serve as the bedrock of our nation's security, and their effectiveness relies on unity and impartiality," he said. 

At the same time, the majority leader reiterated that Duterte’s statements on the alleged presidential ambition of House Speaker Martin Romualdez were not only baseless but also premature. 

He noted that the presidential election is still too far away, and Romualdez is wasting no time ensuring the swift passage of the Marcos administration's priority measures. 

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Dalipe emphasized that as a former president, his fellow Mindanaoan Duterte should prioritize the nation's well-being over political interests and foster an environment where the AFP and PNP can fulfill their duties without being entangled in divisive political agendas. 

“We have already achieved so much in our quest to professionalize our military and police service. Let us not squander what we have accomplished by putting the AFP and the PNP in a bad light because of these baseless statements,” Dalipe said. 

He stressed that the days of military adventurism are over, and the AFP and the PNP are focused on carrying out their Constitutional mandate as pillars of our country’s democracy and sovereignty. 

“The AFP and the PNP have more important things to do than watching Congress, as claimed by the former President. Our uniformed service must be insulated from partisan activities and should maintain the highest degree of professionalism. 

"Huwag na sana niyang idamay ang AFP at PNP (I hope he leaves the AFP and PNP out of this),” added the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) stalwart. 

Dalipe said that any form of partisanship in the AFP and the PNP could undermine their professionalism and erode public trust.