The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) clarified on Monday, Oct. 20, that its review of the military pension system, including possible sanctions for retirees allegedly spreading misinformation, remains a work in progress amid public backlash, including from a retired general who warned that any attempt to cancel pensions would cross a legal and moral line.

AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said that the ongoing study aims to ensure the pension system is “fair, lawful, and transparent.” She stressed that the AFP respects the rights of veterans to express their opinions but also has to consider “red lines” under existing laws.

“What the Armed Forces of the Philippines is doing right now is a thorough review. At present, this is a work in progress. The goal is to ensure that our pension system is fair, honestly utilized, compliant with the law, and does not undermine public trust or the integrity of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” Padilla said.

She added that the AFP’s legal officers are reviewing the scope of its authority over retirees, who are considered civilians, and reiterated that any sanction would undergo due process. She also clarified that no formal investigation has been launched against any retired officer at this time.

But the statement drew a sharp response from retired Air Force Major General Romeo Poquiz, a vocal critic of the Marcos administration, who questioned the legal and ethical basis of the AFP’s pronouncements.

“Cancel my pension? A military pension is an earned and vested right, not a privilege that can be withdrawn at will,” Poquiz said on his social media. “Under the law, it may only be cancelled or suspended upon final conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude and disloyalty, not on mere allegations or administrative whims.”

Poquiz said the AFP’s mention of possible pension sanctions for alleged “sedition” or “fake news” is a “grave distortion of both law and justice.”

“This move is not a threat to me personally, it is a warning to those still in active service, as more and more soldiers express concern and sympathy for the growing public protests against massive corruption in government,” he said.

“Loyalty to the nation does not end at retirement, and truth-telling is not sedition,” he added.

The retired general also accused certain AFP spokespersons of “fanning the fire” by making premature statements.

“Threaten a veteran, then backtrack? Eager-beaver AFP spokespersons are fanning the fire,” Poquiz said. “Cancel a soldier’s pension and this nation might just hit the tipping point the outraged citizens are desperately waiting for.”

Padilla, meanwhile, maintained that the AFP welcomes constructive criticism and supports democratic processes.

“We are one with the people against corruption,” she said. “Our goal is to protect the institution, listen to the public, and maintain the trust of the Filipino people.”

Over the weekend, Padilla sparked controversy after disclosing that the AFP was studying the possibility of suspending the pensions of retired military officers accused of spreading seditious or false information against the government.

She also mentioned that they could potentially face court-martial proceedings. This, despite the retirees already being classified as civilians.

Padilla said the AFP has been monitoring several retired military officers who have intensified their social media criticisms of President Marcos following his revelation of alleged irregularities in the Department of Public Works and Highways’ flood control projects.

Philippine Navy Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said one of the retired officers under watch holds the rank of major general, though he declined to disclose the individual’s name. He added that the AFP is considering filing criminal charges against retired officers accused of spreading false information online, citing possible violations of cybercrime laws.