Dennis Gasgonia

Article (news)

Bianca Dava

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Thursday warned against calls by some retired military officials for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to rise up against the government, which, he said would bring chaos and isolate the country from the rest of the world.</p><p>Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a luncheon meeting organized by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) in Makati City, Teodoro cautioned that attempts to fan resentment within the military would only benefit those who wish to destabilize the country.</p><p>“Pag naghihikayat ka ng sandatahang lakas na mag-aklas sa gobyerno, ginugusto mo na ang military ang magpatakbo ng gobyerno. At the end of the day, wala nang batas kasi at ang rule of law nawawala,” Teodoro also said.</p><p>(Encouraging the AFP to go up in arms means you want the military to run government. At the end of the day there would be lawlessness. There will no longer be rule of law.)</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/10/20/afp-clarifies-pension-cut-vs-retired-generals-officers-over-seditious-statements-1522"><strong>AFP clarifies pension cut vs retired generals, officers over seditious statements; Palace says up to AFP to address issue </strong></a> </div><p>He added that a government installed by extra-constitutional means would risk not beign recognized by other countries.</p><p>“Ififreeze ang accounts mo, hindi ka maaaring makipagnegosyo, so paano ka mabubuhay? Ang bubuhay lang sa iyo, konting bansa. Isa na ang China kaya sanctioned nga sila,” he explained. </p><p>(The country&#x27;s accounts will be frozen. The country will not be able to conduct business.  So how will the country survive? Only a few countries will be able to support the country. China might be one of them.)</p><p>Teodoro compared the possibility to the situation in Myanmar, where the military’s seizure of power led to international condemnation and economic sanctions. </p><p>“Exactly the situation of Myanmar. I don’t think Filipinos would like that,” the defense chief stressed.</p><p>He said these attempts could lead to a situation where those with the most firepower would lead, which, he said is contrary to the Philippines&#x27; aspirations.</p><p>“Kaya be careful what you pray for, you may just get it.”</p><p>Teodoro also noted that retired soldiers found guilty of grave offenses could lose their pensions if charged and convicted.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/10/7/teodoro-says-afp-still-ensuring-sara-duterte-s-safety-1754"><strong>Teodoro says AFP still ensuring Sara Duterte&#x27;s safety </strong></a> </div><p>“It is up to the courts,” Teodoro said. </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>AFP: NOT TRYING TO CURTAIL FREEDOM OF SPEECH</strong></div><p>The AFP on Tuesday explained that there is a legal process ro revoke a retired  the pension of a retired member of the military. </p><p>But AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla emphasized that the AFP’s statement should not be interpreted as an attempt to silence anyone’s freedom of expression.</p><p>Padilla said the military only wants to ensure that no laws are violated, especially when remarks could endanger public safety or national security.</p><p>Teodoro, meanwhile, clarified that the review of the military pension system is not meant to punish, but to ensure fairness and sustainability.</p><p>&quot;Probably 99% of our retirees are law-abiding,&quot; he said. </p><p>&quot;They know the limits of what the AFP should and can do. They also sacrificed the better part of their lives honorably. Their benefits should also be adjusted to keep in step sa adjustments din ng nakukuha ng ating AFP ngayon,” Teodoro said.</p><p>“The major initiative is kung paano mapabuti ang buhay ng mga retirado,” he added.</p><div> </div>

<p>Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a luncheon meeting organized by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) in Makati City, Teodoro cautioned that attempts to fan resentment within the military would only benefit those who wish to destabilize the country.</p>

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a luncheon meeting organized by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) in Makati City, Teodoro cautioned that attempts to fan resentment within the military would only benefit those who wish to destabilize the country.

Teodoro warns ‘extra-constitutional’ moves could lead to Myanmar-like scenario

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Teodoro warns ‘extra-constitutional’ moves could lead to Myanmar-like scenario

Bianca Dava,

ABS-CBN News

Published October 23, 2025 05:39 PM PHT

Read More:

Armed Forces of the Philippines

Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.

government

retired military officials

Myanmar

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