Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 2) — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will never support any call for a revolutionary government, its chief of staff told a plenary hearing of the Commission on Appointments (CA) on Wednesday.
“The Armed Forces of the Philippines does not support this movement in calling for a revolutionary government, precisely because of the reason that it is unconstitutional and we find it politically motivated,” Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay told the CA’s Committee on National Defense which later confirmed his nomination as AFP chief.
Gapay said that while he recognizes that all military personnel are entitled to their individual opinions, backing a revolutionary government “will cause more harm than good at this point in time in our country.”
“Our actions are being guided by our sworn duty to uphold and protect our Constitution and serve our people,” he said firmly.
Last week, the Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte-National Executive Coordinating Committee launched an event to express support for a Duterte-led revolutionary government which the group said will help fast-track the establishment of federalism before the President’s term ends in 2022.
President Rodrigo Duterte initially distanced himself from the issue, but on Monday said he wanted a public discussion on a proposal to establish a revolutionary government in the country.
“As I said, the revolutionary government should not be discussed in sub rosa (in secrecy). It should be discussed publicly,” said Duterte during his weekly address.
The President also said discussions on the proposed revolutionary government in the country should include the military.
