Marcos to troops: Don’t be distracted by political noise

Metro Manila, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has urged members of the Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) to remain focused on their duties and not be swayed by political distractions.

In a speech before the troops at Camp Guillermo Nakar in Lucena City, the president emphasized the importance of staying on task.

"Huwag kayong nalilinlang sa mga nangyayari. Let’s stay focused. Pare-pareho tayo," Marcos said, encouraging the soldiers to avoid being distracted by external political noise.

He continued, reflecting on his own approach to governance: "Ako, pagka maraming maingay na nangyayari, iniisip ko lagi na ano ba talaga trabaho ko? Trabaho ko ba’y makipag-away diyan? Trabaho ko ba makipagdebate diyan sa mga walang kwentang bagay? Hindi, ang trabaho ko ay pagandahin ang Pilipinas. Kayo naman, may mission din kayo.”

[Translation: When there is so much noise happening, I always ask myself, what is my real job? Is my job to fight with them? Is my job to debate over meaningless issues? No, my job is to improve the Philippines. You, too, have your own mission.]

Marcos reminded the troops of their shared mission in protecting the Filipino people, emphasizing the unity between civilian and military responsibilities.

"Basta’t maliwanag sa pag-iisip natin. We have the same mission. I do it for the civilian end, kayo sa military police end. Pero pareho ang mission natin," he said.

In a separate press briefing on Monday, former President Rodrigo Duterte suggested that the military might need to intervene to address what he described as a “fractured government.”

“Nakikita ko ang sitwasyon kung ganoon ang president, in face of so many errors there, nagkaroon na ng fracture sa government, it is only the military can correct it,” Duterte said.

[Translation: I see the situation – if the president is like that, in the face of so many errors, a fracture has developed in the government, and only the military can correct it.]

When asked if he was advocating for a coup or military junta, Duterte suggested that it was an option available to the armed forces.

“Sinabi ko lang it is only the military who can correct. Ibig ko ba sabihin ang military mag (junta)? Well, it’s an option sa military. They can just sit there sa upuan nila sa bukid maglinis ng baril magsabi lang sila na, ‘We are not anymore.’ Hindi na sila mag kudeta na magdala pa ng tangke, sabihin lang nila, ‘Ayaw na namin ang laro niyo,’” Duterte added.

[Translation: I simply said that it is only the military who can correct things. Am I saying that the military should form a junta? Well, that’s an option for them. They can just sit in their chairs in the fields, clean their guns, and say, ‘We’re done with this. We don’t need to launch a coup with tanks. We’re just saying we don’t want to play your game anymore.]

While Duterte's remarks have sparked discussion, Marcos has consistently urged the military to focus on their essential duties and avoid getting involved in political matters.