AFP slams ‘weaponizing’ of Romualdez, Zaldy Co video call with Brawner

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday strongly denounced the alleged "distortion" and "weaponizing" of a 2024 video of then-Speaker Martin Romualdez and then-House Appropriations chair Zaldy Co on a phone call discussing the increasing of soldiers' subsistence allowance 

The video shows Romualdez and Co speaking by video call to someone, supposedly AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr., on December 11, 2024, when Congress approved the increasing of soldiers' subsistence allowance from P150 to P350.

In a press statement, AFP spokesperson Colonel Xerxes Trinidad said that the officials were discussing a reform stemming from Brawner's request to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., and rejected alleged insinuations that the AFP has been “bought,” “controlled,” or “compromised.”

"There was no political bargaining, no exchange of favors, and no compromise of institutional integrity," he said.

In the two-minute video posted on Romualdez's Facebook page, the solon was seen informing Brawner of the increase during a session of the bicameral conference committee. He was with other legislators including Co, who was sitting next to him.

The AFP said some individuals were "irresponsibly weaponizing an old video to sow distrust and destabilize institutions."

"To set the record straight: expressing gratitude to lawmakers for supporting a reform that directly benefits soldiers does not, in any form, give anyone control over the Armed Forces," said Trinidad.

"The AFP’s loyalty has never been dictated by political personalities. Its integrity does not hinge on who assists in delivering much-needed improvements for its people. The AFP’s mandate is—and always will be—anchored solely on the Constitution and the Filipino people," he added .

Trinidad likewise justified the increase, saying it was "earned by our personnel through years of sacrifice, hardship, and unwavering commitment to duty."

"For many of our troops, the additional P200 a day means a fuller meal, essential hygiene items, and a small but meaningful relief in their daily struggle," he said.

"Turning this into a political narrative of control reveals not just malice, but a profound lack of respect for the uniform, the service, and the sacrifices represented by every stripe and insignia," he added.

The AFP official also issued warnings against those who were "weaponizing" the old video.

"To the individuals and groups irresponsibly weaponizing an old video to sow distrust and destabilize institutions, we issue this firm warning: stop dragging the AFP into your political theatrics. Stop manufacturing lies to push your agenda at the expense of national stability. Our soldiers and their families do not deserve to be used as pawns in anyone’s political games," he said.

"The dignity, loyalty, courage, and integrity of the Filipino soldier cannot be bought—not now, not ever," said Trinidad.

"The AFP stands firm, united, and unshakeable in its duty to protect the Constitution, defend the Republic, and serve the Filipino people. Disinformation will never shake the Armed Forces. Truth, honor, patriotism, and service will always prevail," he added. — BM, GMA Integrated News