Palace on possibility of removing military retirees' pension: Up to AFP to study it

Malacañang on Monday said it is up to the Armed Forces of the Philippines to respond to and address the issue on the possibility of removing the monthly pension of retired military officials and personnel due to spreading fake news as well as making statements that incite sedition.

During a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro was asked if President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. has a reaction on this matter.

''Sa ngayon po ay wala naman pong masasabi kung ano ang tugon ng Pangulo patungkol diyan at ang issue po na iyan ay sa AFP at kung mayroon silang aaralin, dapat muna po sigurong aralin,'' Castro said. 

(At this point, we can't say anything as regards the President's response and that issue lies with the AFP so if they need to study it, they must do so.)

Earlier, AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla said that they are reviewing the military pension system and the possibility of trying retirees under court martial amid reports that some retired officers had called on the military to withdraw its support from the President.

Padilla also said that seditious statements and spreading fake news have corresponding legal consequences.

To recall, AFP chief-of-staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. admitted that some retired officers had called for withdrawal of support against Marcos by the military amid public protests over the flood control anomalies. 

Just last week, the President expressed confidence that important sectors of the society were still supportive of his administration.

Meanwhile, the AFP said there is no truth to circulating social media posts that Marcos threatened to remove the pension of retired military personnel.

"This claim is baseless, malicious, and intended to mislead," it said in a statement over the weekend, referring to a social media post by Cavite 4th District Representative Kiko Barzaga.

"The AFP categorically states that there is no such directive, statement, or policy from the President or any government agency," it added.

"Please note that the pension of a retired military personnel is protected under existing laws. It is considered an earned benefit resulting from at least 20 years of faithful, honorable, and dedicated service to the nation," the AFP added.

GMA News Online contacted Barzaga for comment but has yet to receive a reply. —KG, GMA Integrated News