Retired, active generals urge PH officials to uphold WPS stance or 'step aside'

A group of retired and active generals said Thursday public officials who cannot support the country's laws and official legal positions on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) should either seek judicial remedies or "step aside."

In a statement on Thursday, the Association of General and Flag Officers (AGFO) said adherence to legal obligations is a matter of compliance with the law rather than political alignment.

"Officials who cannot support established national laws or historic legal submissions—such as the recent Extended Continental Shelf filing—are duty-bound to seek judicial remedies or respectfully step aside to preserve public trust," AGFO said.

The group, led by retired Police Major General German Doria, issued the statement as it reiterated its support for the Department of National Defense's position on the WPS.

It said allegiance to the Constitution, adherence to the Rule of Law, and the defense of national sovereignty are "non-negotiable duties" of every public servant.

For AGFO, government officials are bound by their oath to faithfully serve the Republic and comply with Philippine laws which define and relate to the country's sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea.

AGFO also called for a unified national stance in support of active-duty military personnel safeguarding the country's maritime territory and Filipino fisherfolk exercising their sovereign rights within the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

It likewise urged members of the media and public commentators to present official policy statements in their full legal context to avoid misleading interpretations and unnecessary public division.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to a peaceful, secure, and sovereign Philippines and called on all public servants to remain united in upholding the Rule of Law and protecting the country's national interests. — VDV, GMA News