Malacañang said on Thursday that there is no need for a loyalty check within the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) despite reports of growing frustration among some members of the uniformed services over national issues. Palace press officer Claire Castro said AFP leadership has not received any confirmed information about the alleged discontent and stressed that military personnel remain active, united, and professional in carrying out their constitutional duty to serve and protect the public.
Castro said rumors about unrest are being monitored, but there is no basis for extraordinary action at this time. She said the AFP itself has stated that its members understand their mandate to serve the nation in accordance with the Constitution. The Palace response came after Sen. Panfilo Lacson raised concerns about possible dissatisfaction within the uniformed services, citing what he described as “independent intel.” Lacson said the frustration, based on sketchy and raw information, may have reached battalion and regional levels. He linked the reported mood to several national problems, including the Senate impasse, inflation, rising oil prices, and controversy over flood control projects.
In a separate message, Lacson clarified that the armed services he referred to are not limited to the AFP, though he did not identify which other uniformed groups were reportedly affected. The Palace, however, maintained that there is no verified indication of widespread unrest and no need for a loyalty check. The statement sought to calm concerns about the military’s stance amid broader political and economic tensions in the country.
The issue highlights the sensitivity of remarks suggesting dissatisfaction within the armed services, especially during a period marked by public debate over governance, price increases, and major infrastructure controversies. Malacañang emphasized that the AFP remains committed to constitutional professionalism and that it continues to operate normally despite circulating rumors and political noise.
