By Darryl John Esguerra
MANILA – Malacañang on Sunday dismissed speculation of unrest within the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as various groups held anti-corruption demonstrations nationwide over anomalous flood control projects.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. remains confident in the military’s loyalty to the constitution.
“Wala tayong nakikitang ganun. Tiwala ang Pangulo sa ating mga uniformed personnel, sa mga opisyal natin (We do not see such a thing. The President has confidence in our uniformed personnel, in our military officials),” Castro said in a television interview.
“Alam niya na ang mga tao ay hindi anti-PBBM, kundi anti-corruption (We do not see such a thing. The President has confidence in our uniformed personnel, in our officials. He knows that the people are not anti-Marcos but anti-corruption),” she added.
The wave of demonstrations follows the uncovering of alleged anomalies in multibillion-peso flood control projects.
A group led by retired military officials also gathered outside the AFP general headquarters in Quezon City as they protested against the “systemic corruption” in the government.
Bigger demonstrations are being held in EDSA People Power Shrine and Rizal Park in Manila.
Marcos first flagged the issue in his fourth State of the Nation Address in July, directing a comprehensive investigation into alleged ghost projects and irregular disbursements.
He has since formed an independent body to pursue accountability.
The Palace earlier said Marcos canceled his scheduled trip to New York for the United Nations General Assembly to personally monitor the protests and ensure peace and order.
Castro said the Chief Executive views the rallies as a legitimate exercise of free expression, as long as they remain lawful. (PNA)
