The Department of National Defense (DND) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reaffirmed their commitment to the Constitution and their mandate to the Filipino people, rejecting politically motivated calls for the military to withdraw support from the government amid heightened political noise and allegations of corruption in flood control projects.

In a joint statement issued Friday night, Sept. 12, DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. stressed that both the DND and AFP remain professional and non-partisan institutions that continue to safeguard the nation and its democratic foundations.

“At this critical juncture for our national security in the face of threats to our peace and regional stability, politically-motivated attempts to distract the Armed Forces of the Philippines from focusing on its mission are not only futile but also irresponsible,” they said.

They underscored their support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s anti-corruption drive, calling it not only a government initiative but a “national crusade for good governance, justice, and progress.”

“We owe it to our veterans, our heroes, and to future generations to ensure that the Philippines is firmly grounded in integrity,” Teodoro and Brawner noted.

The defense and military leadership also rejected attempts by certain groups to draw the AFP into unconstitutional and unilateral actions, reiterating that the armed forces strictly follow the Constitution and the chain of command.

“The strength of our Republic rests on the rule of law and the unity of our people. At this crucial time, we call on every Filipino to place their trust in our democratic institutions, to respect our processes, and to work together in the spirit of patriotism. True and lasting change can only come through peaceful, lawful, and democratic means,” they said.

The statement was issued amid calls from certain groups and personalities urging the military to withdraw its support for the government as alleged corruption on flood control projects hounds the government.

An open letter circulating on social media and shared by former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief and now Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa on his Facebook page called on House Speaker Martin Romualdez to resign as congressman and Speaker, citing alleged fiscal mismanagement and corruption.

The letter claimed to have been issued by a group of retired AFP and PNP officers, UP Vanguards, which is a distinguished alumni association of the University of the Philippines Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC), and concerned citizens.

As this developed, the AFP said it stands ready to assist the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in inspecting anomalous flood control projects.

AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the military, through its Corps of Engineers and other units, has long partnered with government agencies in development programs and disaster response operations.

“Should our assistance be officially requested, the AFP can complement DPWH efforts by helping conduct site inspections, providing security, and ensuring transparency,” Padilla said.

She emphasized that safeguarding the integrity of vital infrastructure is part of the AFP’s broader mission of protecting the welfare of the Filipino people.

The AFP has previously worked with DPWH and other agencies in post-disaster rehabilitation, road clearing, and security operations in support of development projects nationwide.

Newly assigned DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon earlier tapped the AFP and PNP in checking thousands of infrastructure projects nationwide to ensure that they are free from any anomaly.