Philippine military dismisses rumours of junta, cautions against destabilisation efforts
The Philippine military has addressed growing speculation about potential efforts to remove President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr from office, acknowledging that such plots are “not far fetched” but firmly rejecting fears that a coup is developing within the armed forces. The statement comes during a period of heightened public frustration over a major corruption controversy involving flood control infrastructure valued at 100 billion pesos, equal to about US$1.7 billion.
Speaking on Tuesday, military spokeswoman Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla said the Armed Forces of the Philippines remained stable and professional despite the rising political tension. She clarified that there was “no such thing as a military junta within the Armed Forces of the Philippines” and added that the institution was committed to upholding the constitution and maintaining public order. Her remarks followed a series of online claims and media discussions suggesting that various groups were attempting to mobilise support for an organised effort to unseat the president.
According to officials, the military leadership has been monitoring the situation closely, particularly online narratives that could influence public sentiment or create confusion about the military’s role. Colonel Padilla said the armed forces were aware of attempts by unidentified individuals or groups to encourage instability by spreading information about supposed divisions within the ranks. She stressed that the chain of command remained intact and that service members continued to perform their duties without political interference.
The controversy surrounding the flood control projects has fuelled public anger and has become a focal point for political criticism of the administration. Allegations of irregularities involving billions of pesos have led to calls for investigations, as well as renewed pressure on the government to address corruption more aggressively. Analysts say the scandal has increased overall political sensitivity, making rumours of destabilisation more likely to circulate even without clear evidence.
Despite the concerns, government officials maintain that the situation remains under control and that institutions responsible for security and governance are functioning normally. The military said it would not tolerate any attempts to drag service members into political disputes and reminded the public that the armed forces have a constitutional mandate to remain neutral. Colonel Padilla also urged citizens to be cautious about unverified claims that might worsen tensions or undermine confidence in state institutions.
For now, authorities are focusing on managing the fallout from the corruption allegations while monitoring any activity that could threaten national stability. Officials emphasise that public cooperation and careful communication are essential to preventing misinformation from escalating into broader unrest. While acknowledging that destabilisation attempts are always possible in periods of political strain, the military insists that it remains unified and fully committed to supporting lawful democratic processes.
