22 retired generals meet with Speaker, vow support for Marcos gov't

At least 22 retired generals of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) met with Speaker Martin Romualdez on Monday to reaffirm their support for the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

In a statement, Speaker Romualdez said the generals denied reports that the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) alumni and other groups of military retirees are supporting destabilization moves against the Marcos administration.

The AFP and the Philippine National Police (PNP) also earlier denied the destabilization plot, even as  Marcos' sister, Senator Imee Marcos, had said that the alleged plot was "coming from the inside." 

“We are all here today, united, to air our support to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr, his administration, and the leadership of the House of Representatives and the Senate,” Admiral Danilo Abinoja, chairman and chief executive officer of the Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association, Inc., said during the meeting.

“We continue to abide by and vow to defend the Constitution, and the duly-constituted authorities. That is our oath, then and until now,” he added.

A statement released by Romualdez’s office also stated that Abinoja informed Speaker Romualdez that the PMA is not the only military school in full support of the Marcos administration; but also all the schools producing servicemen for the Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard.

“In fact, the Association of Service Academies of the Philippines is issuing a manifesto of support to President Marcos and his administration,” he said.

The statement also quoted retired Major General Marlou Salazar, Vice President of National ROTC Alumni Association, Inc., as saying that their group is also against any attempt to destabilize the Marcos administration as they believe that stability in government is the key to peace and progress.

“Ayaw naming magkagulo (We don't want chaos). A kingdom should not be divided if we want it to succeed,” Salazar said.

Retired General and Philippine Military Academy Retired Alumni Association chairman Raul Gonzales said their group is also not in favor of moves that seem to undermine the stability of the government.

“We support the sentiments of the PMA alumni here today and we are duty-bound to defend the Constitution even now that we are out of service. Some have different beliefs, but the general membership is united in defending this government,” Gonzales said.

Retired General and Association of Generals and Flag Officers (AGFO) vice chairman Gerry Doria presented a copy of the resolution issued by PMA Class 75 which condemns “abhorring acts that undermine the economic, social and political gains that the current administration has put up over the years.”

In response, Romualdez thanked the retired generals for coming in person to express their support to the Marcos, Jr. administration.

“We are happy to receive you here and listen to you. Words are not enough to express our gratitude to all of you. We are always sensitive, responsive, and reflective of what you have to say even after you left the service. We value all that you share here today," Romualdez added.—LDF, GMA Integrated News