President Marcos has called on the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to safeguard the integrity of the upcoming 2025 polls, citing its crucial role in ensuring peaceful and credible elections.

Marcos said this as he led the oath-taking ceremony of newly promoted AFP generals and flag officers in Malacañan on Thursday, Feb. 20.

In his speech, the President said the country is at a critical juncture where preserving the integrity of the elections is essential to upholding democracy.

“Once again, we find ourselves at a critical juncture where we have to preserve not only the integrity of our election but the very ethos of our democracy,” he said.

Marcos reminded the AFP of its responsibility to maintain order and ensure that Filipinos can exercise their right to vote without fear or disruption. He urged the military not to fail in its duty, highlighting the importance of public trust in the democratic process.

“As a nation that deeply values and honors our right to vote, we are counting on the armed forces to ensure a peaceful, credible, and orderly conduct of the electoral process that the Filipinos expect from us,” he said.

“We cannot fail them,” he added.

The AFP has historically played a role in securing elections, particularly in areas prone to violence and political unrest.

The AFP—in line with its mandate to protect the people and the State and secure the country’s sovereignty and national integrity—has reaffirmed its commitment during the Solidarity Pact Signing for the 2025 National and Local Elections.

Strengthening Military Cooperation

In his speech, President Marcos highlighted the importance of international military cooperation in maintaining national security.

He pointed to the 7th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity with Canada and the United States as a demonstration of the country’s commitment to regional peace.

“That demonstrates that we remain resolute in preserving our sovereignty by ensuring regional peace and international cooperation,” he said.

The President acknowledged the role of AFP officers who trained abroad, stating that their acquired skills will help enhance the country’s defense capabilities.

“The training, the discipline, the strategies that you acquired abroad will certainly boost our forces’ capabilities, especially amidst the increasingly uncertain geopolitical landscape,” he said.

Honoring AFP leadership

Meanwhile, Marcos recognized the dedication of the 35 newly promoted AFP generals and flag officers, as well as nine graduates from foreign military training programs.

He commended them for their perseverance in improving national security and pushing for reforms within the AFP.

“This career milestone testifies to the hard work, dedication, and adherence to the fulfillment of your duties as vanguards of your security,” he said.

The President urged them to remain guided by the values of honor and integrity as they take on leadership roles.

“I am certain that you can never go astray so long as you are guided by the time-honored principle of serving with honor and with integrity,” he said.

“Let us all be shining examples of how a Bagong Pilipino should be: disciplined, patriotic, and ever-committed to the greater good for the greatest number,” he added.

Marcos likewise assured the AFP that his administration remains committed to upholding peace, democracy, and the rule of law.