7 out of 10 Filipinos oppose AFP’s political involvement —OCTA

Seven in 10 adult Filipinos do not agree with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) intervening in politics, according to OCTA Research’s most recent survey. 

In the most recent Tugon ng Masa survey, 70% of respondents had opposed AFP’s involvement in political disputes, while only 5% agreed to it.

Twenty-two percent of respondents, meanwhile, were undecided.

Most respondents who rejected the idea were from Mindanao with 79%, followed by the National Capital Region (NCR) with 78%.

“An overwhelming majority of Filipinos reject the idea of military intervention in politics, reaffirming their strong commitment to civilian supremacy, democratic stability, and constitutional governance,” read the study.

It also noted that the public held belief in civilian control enshrined in the 1987 Constitution, but that Filipinos mostly were wary of any return to military-led governance.

“The findings make clear that any attempt by the military to settle or influence political disputes would not gain the backing of a majority of Filipinos and would likely be met with broad public opposition. This widespread resistance reflects both the enduring influence of democratic values and the collective memory of past authoritarian rule,” the study added.

OCTA Research noted that trust in AFP seemed to stem from professionalism and apolitical character, not political involvement.

Meanwhile, the survey revealed that 80% of Filipinos still prefer democracy, "showing strong public support for civilian rule and constitutional governance," OCTA said.

"These findings affirm Filipinos’ trust in the AFP as a professional and apolitical institution, and their enduring commitment to democratic and constitutional governance," it added.

Data from the survey was gathered through face-to-face interviews of 1,200 respondents nationwide from September 25 to 30, 2025. 

The survey has a ±3% margin of error at a 95% confidence level.

In a statement following the survey results on Saturday evening, the AFP assured the public that it remains aligned with the principles of democracy and civilian authority.

“Guided by the principles of democracy and civilian authority, the AFP stands firm in defending the law, the people, and the nation’s sovereignty,” it said.

The AFP denied last month the alleged coup plot involving the military and Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. that was circulating online. 

“The public is warned in the strongest terms against a vile and malicious fabrication now circulating online, which alleges a supposed coup plot involving the CIA, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Secretary of National Defense,” the AFP then said in a statement. 

It also said rumors of destabilization and an alleged coup against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., were baseless and unfounded "malicious narrative."

Earlier this month, AFP chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. led military personnel as they renewed their pledge of allegiance to the AFP Code of Conduct, which marked its 35th anniversary on Monday.

Meanwhile, majority of adult Filipinos expressed high trust and satisfaction with the performance of the AFP, according to OCTA Research's survey conducted Sept. 25 to 30, 2025.

Based on the results of that Tugon ng Masa survey conducted through face-to-face interviews of 1,200 respondents, 73% of Filipinos said they trusted the AFP, while 73% of the respondents expressed satisfaction with the military’s performance. —KG, GMA Integrated News