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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Huwag idamay ang mga sundalo!' Teodoro warns vs bid to draw soldiers into VP Sara's impeachment issue

'Huwag idamay ang mga sundalo!' Teodoro warns vs bid to draw soldiers into VP Sara's impeachment issue

Published Jul 6, 2026 04:29 pm

At A Glance

  • Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. warned groups against urging members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to intervene in issues related to Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, saying the proceedings are part of the country's constitutional process.
  • Teodoro said the military no longer needs reminders about its constitutional duty, stressing that loyalty to the Constitution and civilian authority is already deeply ingrained among soldiers.
  • The defense chief cautioned those making appeals to the military, saying their intentions are "not based on the law" and insisting that the AFP will not heed calls to be drawn into political affairs.
(File photo: Armed Forces of the Philippines)
(File photo: Armed Forces of the Philippines)
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. warned groups or individuals against trying to draw members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) into the political debate surrounding the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Teodoro said the impeachment proceedings are part of the country's constitutional process and should not be used to encourage military involvement in political issues.
"We do not need to remind our soldiers anymore," he stated on Monday, July 6.
The Senate convened as an impeachment court on Monday to begin the trial of Duterte, the first sitting vice president in the country’s history to undergo impeachment proceedings.
She is accused of betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, and other high crimes.
Duterte has rejected the accusations and insisted that the impeachment case is politically motivated. A two-thirds vote of the 24 senators is required to convict her, which would remove her from office and permanently bar her from holding any public position.
The proceedings have fueled political exchanges and renewed calls from some sectors for the military to take a stand on governance issues.
Teodoro said such appeals are misplaced because the AFP already knows where its duty lies.
“Our only message is for those who are encouraging the soldiers. You will get nowhere. Our soldiers already know their constitutional duty,” he added.
The defense chief stressed that respect for civilian authority and the Constitution has become deeply ingrained within the military institution.
“We no longer remind them because it is already part of their psyche,” Teodoro said.
Instead, the DND chief directed his warning at those making public statements or indirect appeals aimed at members of the military.
“To those who keep reminding, making insinuations, or encouraging our soldiers, your intentions are bad. Your intentions are not based on the law. You will not be listened to,” he said.
The AFP has repeatedly maintained that it remains a professional organization that is non-partisan and committed to upholding the Constitution, regardless of political developments.

Related Tags

DND Gilberto Teodoro Jr. Vice President Sara Duterte impeachment trial Senate Armed Forces of the Philippines
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