GUEST COLUMNIST
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) recently celebrated its 89th anniversary at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo. Honoring the bravery and sacrifices of our troops, the celebration involved a parade and an awarding program. In his speech, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. vividly stated that “modernization is not simply about acquiring advanced equipment; it is about transforming the way we think, the way we act, and the way we operate as a unified force.” Although the President stressed modernization as essential to national security, the heart of the armed forces lies in its people—the soldiers, airmen, sailors, and marines. For the AFP to remain resilient, their values, attitude, and morale are just as important
Two persistent issues that potentially threaten AFP morale surfaced in my private talks and chat groups involving active and retired officers.
First, the perception of corruption in the government is causing an increasing amount of frustration. A lot of officers are concerned about what they perceive to be a lack of accountability and transparency especially among political leaders. This source of frustration is expressed candidly in submitted manifestos, in chats, and in conversations within military circles. One especially unsettling comment, given by an officer, illustrates the sentiment: “Are these the leaders we risk our lives for?"
A soldier’s motivation can suffer greatly from such frustration. The values of honor, patriotism, and duty form the base of their purpose, but this may waver when they see these values violated by the leaders they serve.
Second, there is a disturbing belief that appointments and promotions within the AFP are increasingly influenced by political patronage rather than merit. The impression that political connections are more valued than meritocracy is demoralizing for one who dedicates his life to the service of the country. Even more serious, it undermines the institution’s credibility and encourages distrust within its ranks.
According to sources, officers who want to advance their careers feel pressured to associate with influential politicians. Whether true or overblown, this view promotes a system in which political favoritism is accepted as the norm. It also runs the risk of placing military leaders who are politically correct but militarily inept which may destabilize the very institution tasked with safeguarding the nation.
These two issues are intertwined and create a vicious cycle that creates a climate of mistrust and cynicism. If uncorrected, it sets an unhealthy instance that threatens the military’s core values of duty, honor, and patriotism.
History offers a warning. As a young lieutenant in the early 1980s, I saw firsthand the disillusionment among young, idealistic officers that led to the Reform the AFP Movement (RAM). When issues went unsolved, the appeal for change, drastically turned into a demand using forceful measures. Currently, the situation is different. However, the similarities serve as a reminder that trust cannot be taken for granted and morale cannot be ignored.
The political and military leaders must address these issues openly. Gaining new weapons is only one aspect of modernization. Growing accountability, trust and a culture where each AFP personnel feels heard and respected must all be a part of it. Marines, airmen, sailors, and soldiers must believe that the leadership they have sworn to support reflects the same ideals they have sacrificed.
General Romeo Brawner Jr., AFP chief of staff, remarked, “In these times of change and challenges, unity is our greatest strength. Together, we can have a nation built on integrity, resilience, and hope.” With this, there is a need to engage the AFP members in a candid dialogue to resolve issues before they fester in discontent.
The AFP is an institution that is a living example of the Filipino spirit. Its people are strong, resolute, and committed in their work. They make sacrifices for the ideals and values that define us as a nation as well as for the protection of our territory. Honoring the people who wear the uniform is important as we recall the achievements of the AFP. Their dedication to the people is shown in their motto “Protecting the People, Securing the State” However, it also urges us as a nation to ensure that those they protect are worthy of their protection.
As the AFP approaches its centennial, let us stand together as a nation and forge an Armed Forces that is not only modernized but also deeply respected and genuinely connected to the people it serves. Modernization will always be an essential part of national defense, but the true strength of the AFP will depend on its personnel’s morale, mindset, and unity. We must address their concerns and reaffirm their purpose. Let’s honor their legacy by making sure their future is based on trust, respect, and shared values.
Mabuhay ang Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas!
(Lt. Gen. Aurelio B. Baladad (Ret) served as the 8th commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command, the 32nd commander of the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, and the former deputy chief of staff for Operations, J3 of the AFP. He is now the VP for cooperative planning and marketing of PAFCPIC, a cooperative serving the active and retired AFP personnel.)