Amid destabilization rumors, President Marcos has reminded the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that their loyalty must remain with the republic, and not to any individual or faction.

Speaking at the Major Services Officer Candidate Course Joint Graduation Ceremony on Monday, Dec. 1, Marcos spoke about loyalty and integrity as he led the commissioning of 638 cadets into the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, and Philippine Air Force. 

"[T]he AFP that you are part of now must always rise above politics. Your loyalty must not be for any individual or any faction, but only to the republic," Marcos told the AFP. 

He made the statement amid rumors of destabilization plot that attempts to change the leadership through a military-backed reset.

The Commander-in-chief has also told the new AFP officers to always choose what is right and the nation as there will come a time that their integrity will be tested.

He warned them that dishonesty can manifest in many forms. 

"There will be moments when your integrity will be tested. Corruption and dishonesty can manifest in many forms. Kaya piliin n'yo lagi ang tama. Piliin ninyo ang bayan. Piliin ninyo ang katapatan at ang kapayapaan (So always choose what is right. Choose the nation. Choose honesty and peace)," Marcos said.

The President further told them that success in the AFP is measured through their service to their fellowmen. 

"Remember that success in the AFP is measured not by medals alone, but how well you serve your fellow citizens," he said.

"Ladies and gentlemen, graduates, wherever you may be assigned—on land, at sea, in the air—remember that your mission will go beyond completing missions," he added. "Ultimately, it will be about maintaining peace and building a nation."

Amid changes and challenges in the country, Marcos said the Philippines must continue to defend the country's rights in the West Philippine Sea.

"The world is changing fast. These changes can create new risks for our country," Marcos said. 

"As such, we must continue to defend our rights in the West Philippine Sea, where our fishermen and our soldiers stand their ground amidst growing challenges. We will stay vigilant against any attempt to weaken our sovereignty or test our resolve," he added.

''This is why, your training will matter even more.," he further said.

Marcos told the cadets that "they are now part of a new generation of soldiers who must think fast, acts smart, work closely with others, whether within our ranks or with partners abroad."

The President has reiterated that the government remains committed to the modernization of the AFP. 

"As your Commander-in-Chief, I promise that this government remains committed to building a modern and professional Armed Forces," he said.

The government, Marcos said, continue to invest in radar systems, ships, aircraft, and facilities that will strengthen the deterrence and improve disaster response.

He also cited deepening the Philippines' partnerships with other countries, such as Japan, the United States, and Australia, and other allies to better protect peace and stability.

The Officer Candidate Course (OCC) is a one-year program for baccalaureate degree holders, designed to prepare them to be mentally, physically, and emotionally fit for commissioning in the AFP Regular Force. 

This year, a total of 638 cadets from the Philippine Army (PA) Class “Bumannawag” (326), the Philippine Air Force (PAF) Class “Kahimdaliyan” (164), and the Philippine Navy (PN) Class “Sagmaraya” (148) successfully completed their OCCs and will join the AFP as second lieutenants and ensigns.