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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider AFP mulls pension sanctions for retirees spreading fake news

AFP mulls pension sanctions for retirees spreading fake news

Published Oct 18, 2025 06:16 pm
(Armed Forces of the Philippines)
(Armed Forces of the Philippines)
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) disclosed on Saturday, Oct. 18, that it is currently studying possible legal measures against retired officers, including the removal of their pension, in response to reports that some of them may have been involved in spreading false information and possibly inciting to sedition.
AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said this two weeks after military chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. bared he had met with some retired officers who urged the military to withdraw its support from President Marcos Jr. over the alleged multi-billion peso worth of corruption in flood control funds.
"We are studying what legal actions we can take moving forward," Padilla said. "If you are a pensioner and there are such instances (spread of fake news), of course, we will look into what actions we can take. We are not compromising freedom of speech but it’s a different matter if it already incites sedition or violates the law."
Padilla clarified that no final decisions have been made and no pension has been canceled as of now.
“We are not saying that there is already someone we are going to file charges against or someone whose pension will be revoked at this point. It is a work in progress,” she said.
The AFP is currently collecting data and conducting legal consultations. Among the possible legal frameworks being considered are the Cybercrime Prevention Act, the Data Privacy Act, and relevant laws on sedition.
When asked whether a conviction is necessary before any pension suspension or cancellation, Padilla affirmed: “Yes. If there is a violation, there should first be a case build-up, and only if there is a conviction can it possibly lead to the cancellation of the pension. We are not saying that this can be done without due process.”
She reiterated that the AFP is not the prosecuting body for crimes such as inciting to sedition, but it can recommend actions to the proper agencies.
"We will not take this sitting down but this is also not automatic. Everything will go through the legal process. We’re just looking at the possibilities," Padilla explained.
Earlier this month, Brawner revealed that he met with a group of retired military officers who expressed grievance with the government amid corruption issues on flood control.

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