Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. urged soldiers on Wednesday, Aug. 20, to stay vigilant against corruption and maintain the integrity of the organization as it pursues reforms and modernization.

In a statement, Brawner stressed that soliciting, asking for, or accepting money, gifts, favors, or services from contractors, suppliers, or stakeholders “has no place in military service.”

“This reminder is not just a rule but a solemn reaffirmation of the sacred trust placed upon us. Integrity and professionalism are not optional virtues; they are the very heart of what it means to be a soldier, airman, sailor, or marine. Public office is a public trust. We exist to serve the Filipino people with honor, never to use our position for personal gain,” he said.

The military chief underscored that any act of offering, soliciting, or receiving bribes in exchange for favors, contracts, or preferential treatment is a violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials, and AFP regulations.

He said any official proven to be engaging in corrupt practices will be subjected to immediate and appropriate disciplinary action.

“The AFP’s answer is resolute: swift, firm, and uncompromising action,” Brawner emphasized, adding that commanders and leaders at all levels are duty-bound to enforce the policy.

Brawner also called on the public to be the military’s partners in vigilance, saying they should report any irregularity they encounter or witness.

The issue of corruption became a hot topic after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called for an audit of alleged anomalous flood control projects in his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) last month, condemning corruption in public infrastructure projects.

Earlier, he disclosed that out of the total P545 billion budget allotted for flood control projects within the past three years, 20 percent or around P100 billion was awarded to only 15 contractors. The President called out long-standing irregularities, particularly in flood control initiatives plagued by substandard work or non-existent “ghost” projects. Such corruption, he noted, not only squanders public funds but also endangers lives and burdens communities.

In an opinion piece published on a national daily on Tuesday, Aug. 19, Brawner emphasized that integrity is the lifeblood of the AFP as it underpins the organization’s service, discipline, and duty to the nation.

Upon assuming leadership of the AFP in 2023, Brawner said he enforced two non-negotiable principles: servant leadership and zero tolerance for corruption. He said this means that no AFP soldier, officer, or unit under his command is permitted to solicit or accept any form of kickback, commission, or favor from contractors, suppliers, or project proponents—regardless of the terminology or justification.

He also reflected on his time as Commanding General of the Philippine Army from 2021 to 2023, where he led a full audit of financial and property records, resulting in the Army’s first Unqualified Commission on Audit (COA) Opinion in 15 years. He noted that all major AFP services now consistently earn the same rating.

As the AFP’s first Deputy Chief of Staff for Financial Management (J10) in 2020, Brawner said he also spearheaded financial reforms and introduced structured training to enhance professionalism and accountability. He said such institutional reforms have helped build strong public confidence in the AFP.

According to the July 2025 Tugon ng Masa survey by OCTA Research, 81 percent of Filipinos trust the AFP, and 82 percent are satisfied with its performance—among the highest ratings across all government agencies.