Many voices are speaking out about corruption, but we never hear from our soldiers. Our soldiers are acutely conscious of the social, economic, and political events driving the nation beyond the military situation. Their lives are not isolated. They intelligently debate and analytically wrestle with these topics within the confines of their camps. However, they are not allowed to voice their opinions in public. With challenges across the West Philippine Sea and insurgency in the rural areas, corruption strikes at the soul of our military forces and, thus, our national security.

On corruption, a soldier summed it up quite well, “Frustrations and desperations. That’s what we always talk about.” Even more blunt was another voice when he said in Filipino, “Everyone knows, Sir, how corrupt the system is—the system is corruption, or corruption is the system—not that the system is merely corrupted.” While another griped, “We have…faced danger, and stood firm in the most remote corners of our nation to…uphold the legitimacy of our government. These sacrifices must never be repaid with broken trust.” These statements are first-person reactions from active military personnel.

Three primary ways in which corruption affects national security.

Primarily, it corrodes institutions. Misappropriated funds deprived our soldiers of the equipment they require to defend the nation and its people. An officer bemoaned in Filipino, “There is deep frustration and dismay among officers over alleged corruption, as resources to strengthen defense capabilities are diverted.” Another acknowledged also in Filipino, “So this is what we get in return for our sacrifices.”

According to the Department of Finance, anomalous flood control measures have cost between ₱42.3 and ₱118.5 billion from 2023 to 2025. On the top end of the estimate, that amount might have purchased seven F-16 Block 70/72 fighter jets or 15 Gripen E/F fighter jets. The long-delayed ₱70 billion for two submarines could have been funded by it. Instead, we got overpriced contracts and phantom projects instead of improved deterrence. “It’s disappointing, people we trusted turned out to break public trust. And now, others are trying to stir things up and push Filipinos toward violence,” a soldier lamented in the local language. Moreover, troops’ morale suffers, and they become more susceptible to outside pressures when they believe corruption is allowed to flourish.

Finally, it produces weaknesses. Systems are weakened and made vulnerable to exploitation by foreign powers, terrorists, and criminals. A military officer explained, “We are still at the mercy of the elites and politicians, Sir…[O]ur country is in deep trouble. Worse, with all these issues, the supposed to be almost finished CPP-NPA-NDF is given the chance to resurge.” A soldier griped in Filipino, “These days, a lot of people are trying to use and stir up our fellow Filipinos to start trouble and cause violence.” Moreover, troops’ morale suffers, and they become more susceptible to outside pressures when they believe corruption is allowed to flourish.

Many reacted to Mayor Benjamin Magalong’s resignation from the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI). Most perceive his resignation as an honorable act, but also as an opportunity wasted to fight corruption.

Our soldiers, airmen, sailors, and marines have experienced how to survive flying dangerous missions with obsolete aircraft, being water-cannoned while patrolling our coast with limited and outmoded ships, and engaging enemies with inadequate weapons. The reported widespread corruption only serves to deepen their dismay at these events. They logically link corruption with deteriorating defense requirements. One soldier put it this way “This betrayal does not only undermine our mission—it threatens the unity we’ve fought hard to protect.” They regularly speak of mission accomplishment, ways of improving their situation, and moral duty despite these conditions.

The rumbling voices are filled with frustration, anger, and betrayal. Yet, there was never any talk or hint of military adventurism in their reactions, despite external agitation. This demonstrates the excellent level of professionalism and discipline exhibited by our military officers and personnel. It is sincerity, not surrender, that soldiers demand. Accountability is what they seek. They want a government that continually provides reliable and honest leadership, not just empty rhetoric.

To close, I share the words of a soldier who wished to keep their identity private: “Our mission is not just to fight—it is to uplift. To rebuild. To serve. We are not just defenders of territory—we are guardians of trust. We are not just enforcers of law—we are builders of peace. We are not just soldiers—we are servants of the Filipino people. Let our actions speak louder than fear. Let our service restore what others try to break. And let our leadership be the light that guides our nation forward.”

Our soldiers have spoken. May their voices be heard by our leaders.