Army top brass led by Army Chief Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido reaffirm their allegiance during the flag rite to mark the Philippine Army’s 128th founding anniversary in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on March 22, 2025.⁩ Philippine Army handout

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Saturday underscored to Philippine Army generals the importance of keeping one's principles and integrity intact despite unrest, saying the military is expected to serve sincerely without waiting for anything in return.

Earlier this week, Vice President Sara Duterte called out the Armed Forces of the Philippines for “standing idly” during the arrest of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.

The elder Duterte was arrested over charges of crimes against humanity, and was taken the Netherlands to face the case filed before the International Criminal Court.

“Sa panahon ngayon, hindi sapat ang tapang at husay ng isang sundalo. Kinakailangan  ang [paninindigang] hindi natitinag sa harap ng pagsubok, ang prinsipyong hindi nababaluktot ng takot o pangamba, at ang pusong laging handa maglingkod nang tapat at walang hinihintay na kapalit,” Marcos Jr. said in his speech before the Army’s top brass.

(In these times, a soldier's courage and skill are not enough. What are needed are principles that will not falter in the face of challenges, principles that will not bend , and hearts always ready to serve loyally and without the expectation of reward) 

He added that beyond rank and authority, every institution needs people willing to serve, not for self-interest, but for a greater purpose.

Marcos Jr. also told Army generals that “the road ahead is not easy,” and thanked the soldiers for their service and for ensuring that “this institution has defended our nation, our Constitution, and ensured the safety of our people.”

“Through every trial—whether in combat, in crisis, or in calamity—the Army has remained faithful to its duty,” he said. 

“Beyond the battlefield, our soldiers have once again shown that their service extends far beyond just defense… They were our first responders. They have proven themselves to be ready, reliable, and resolute in their sworn oath to their duty to our people,” he said.

BENEFITS FOR TROOPS

Marcos Jr. also pointed out that his administration had recently hiked the subsistence allowance of all the officers and personnel of the AFP, and has worked on “reinforcing” other welfare programs for Philippine troops, including the reimbursement of hospital expenses and streamlining the process for benefits claims.

“Sharpen your skills, master your craft, embrace innovation. After all, the Philippine Army's strength extends beyond firepower. It draws from its personnel's honor, integrity, and fortitude,” the President also said.

“There will be delays, frustrations, and challenges as they always are. Our strength and resolve will continue to be tested, but I have no doubt, the Philippine Army will stand the best, will stand firm, as it always has in the past 128 years,” he said.

Marcos Jr. raises troops' daily subsistence allowance to P350 from P150

VP DUTERTE:  FIGHTING SPIRIT BURNS IN THE HEARTS OF EVERY FILIPINO

 In a video message uploaded on her official Facebook page, Vice President Duterte recognized Filipino soldiers' valor through the years.

"For generations, the brave men and women of the Philippine Army have shown that the Filipino fighting spirit burns in the hearts of every Filipino—a flame that proves we are a nation of patriots," she said.

The vice president also called on Filipinos to not forget the fallen members of the army.

"Let us remember our fallen soldiers. Their names may be carved in stone, but their spirits live on in the nation they helped build through their sacrifice, courage, and bravery. They died for us to live in peace," Duterte noted.

"We thank our veterans for inspiring a new generation of Filipinos to follow their lead and serve the nation," she added. 

Earlier this month, Marcos Jr. brushed off reports that several uniformed personnel have either tendered their resignation or went on absence without leave following the arrest of the former president.

The President had said that he sees no reason for a loyalty check among uniformed personnel.

In a separate interview, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said that he has “no reason to doubt” that the AFP’s loyalty to the constitution and to the chain of command remains intact amid the political feud between the top two officials in the Philippines.