MEDIA FORUM. Senator Jinggoy Estrada, chair of the Senate Committee on National Defense, Security, Peace, and Reconciliation, is the guest speaker at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum held in Malate, Manila, on Wednesday (Nov. 8, 2023). During the forum, Estrada discussed his priority measures, such as the proposed military and uniformed personnel pension reform bill and the "Eddie Garcia" bill that would promote the welfare of workers. (PNA photo by Yancy Lim)
MANILA – Some senators on Wednesday said they are unaware of any destabilization plot against the Marcos Administration.
This, after the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner, was "misquoted" by the media during a change of command ceremony held at the Western Mindanao Command last week.
Senator Imee Marcos told Senate reporters she is aware of the challenges that the AFP currently faces, but clarified that she never heard anything about any destabilization plot against his brother, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
"Nasa group chat ako ng napakadaming retired generals. Marami silang suggestions at kinikilala natin ang kanilang karanasan. Ngayon, yung 'destab,' wala naman akong naririnig na (I am in a group chat with retired generals. They have a lot of suggestions and we acknowledge their experience. Now, the 'destab', I haven't heard of a) coup d'état," she said.
She cited the West Philippine Sea situation, modernization, promotion, and pension as issues she knows that the AFP is currently dealing with.
"Ganunpaman, a promise is a promise. Nangako tayo. May kontrato tayo sa kanila. Hindi naman pwedeng biglang atrasan ang mga sundalong magigiting (However, a promise is a promise. We promised. We have an agreement with them. We cannot just back off from our patriotic soldiers)," she said.
In an interview with Kapihan sa Manila Bay, Senate Committee on National Defense, Security, Peace and Reconciliation Chairperson Senator Jinggoy Estrada said he still has to talk to Brawner and may consult retired generals about the issue.
"Maybe during the budget hearing, I can ask what is happening now. Eh sinabi naman ni Gen. Brawner na he was misquoted... I don't know, maybe we can have a consultation with the retired generals and ask them how we can improve the situation," Estrada said.
With the status of the Military and Uniformed Personnel (MUP) bill, Estrada said he has yet to deliver a committee report and present it to the Senate plenary "the soonest possible time."
In another interview on Tuesday, Senator Ronald dela Rosa also said he, being a retired general, did not hear anything about the rumor even doubting that it is true.
"Mahirap nga mag-launch ng destabilization kung nasa active duty ka pa. How much more kung retired ka na? Anong capability mo? Kung retired ka na, all you have are words of wisdom (It is so hard to launch a destabilization if you are in active duty. How much more if you are already retired? What is your capability? When you're retired, all you have are words of wisdom)," dela Rosa told Senate reporters.
"Ako lang, kung hindi ako senador ngayon, gusto ko lang peacefully namimingwit lang ako ng isda doon sa tabing dagat sa Barangay Bato, [Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur]. Yun ang pangarap ko (If I am not currently a senator, I want to go fishing by the beach in Barangay Bato. That's my dream,)" he added.
Dela Rosa also doubted that the junior officers will be taking orders from retired officers of the AFP and remain loyal to the Constitution as their active leaders told them so.
Like other retired generals, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año also denied any military unrest, dismissing notions that the Marcos administration would be overthrown.
After clarifying his statement, Brawner reaffirmed the AFP leadership's commitment to the Philippine Constitution and to the chain of command. (PNA)
