Ex-AFP chief denies plot vs Marcos

A former Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff on Monday denied claims that retired generals are plotting to overthrow President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. amid allegations of massive corruption in government.

Retired General Andres Centino, now heading the Presidential Office for Maritime Concerns, said former military officers stand united against corruption and other irregularities, stressing that such practices must be rooted out because of their damaging impact on the country.

“We are all against these practices, and we should ensure that these practices are eradicated. It's been taking its toll on our economy, on our society, and perhaps it's also a unifying factor for all of us to really see that this problem is eradicated once and for all,” he said.

Asked if he was aware of any plot against the President, Centino replied: “May plots ba (Is there a plot) against the President?

"Wala naman po sa amin or sa atin (There is no such plot among our ranks).”

Centino previously served two stints as Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, from November 2021 to August 2022 and from January to July 2023.

Before becoming AFP chief, he also served as commanding general of the Philippine Army from May to December 2021. He is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Maringal” Class of 1988.

The Department of National Defense earlier rejected reports that former military officials were involved in any supposed destabilization plot against the Marcos administration.—MCG, GMA Integrated News