Jamaine Punzalan

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. attends the Oath-Taking Ceremony of the Newly Promoted Generals and Flag Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at the Ceremonial Hall inside Malacañan Palace on December 4, 2024. Santi San Juan, PPA pool/File

Article (news)

Katrina Domingo

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/175807433076320241204-bbm-afp-promotions-PPA-4.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. attends the Oath-Taking Ceremony of the Newly Promoted Generals and Flag Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at the Ceremonial Hall inside Malacañan Palace on December 4, 2024. Santi San Juan, PPA pool/File </span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday reminded newly-promoted officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines that their new ranks are “not only a milestone but a renewed pledge” that their “loyalty remains with the Constitution and the Filipino people.”</p><p>Marcos gave the statement after administering the oath of office to 40 officials from the Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force, and the Philippine Navy.</p><p>“Today is not only a milestone but a renewed pledge that your loyalty remains with the Constitution and the Filipino people,” the President said in his speech.</p><p>“Set an example to the young men and women who will look to you for leadership,” he said.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/9/16/palace-explains-why-marcos-canceled-new-york-trip-1256">Palace explains why Marcos canceled New York trip</a></div><p>“Always uphold the rule of law and defend our democracy.”</p><p>The Commander-in-Chief assured the military that the government would provide for their needs.</p><p>He lauded troops for their “improved tactical readiness to ensure that the AFP is prepared to respond” to situations not only in the Philippines, but also in other countries that could seek Manila’s aid.</p><p>“You have shown our people and the world that the Filipino soldier is always ready to save lives, deliver relief and rebuild communities,” Marcos said.</p><p>“Rest assured that this administration will do the best it can to provide you with the resources you need so you can focus on your duty.”</p><p>A day before the scheduled oath-taking ceremony, Malacañang belied rumors of instability within the military as corruption allegations involving the President’s relatives and allies continued to swirl.</p><p>Marcos earlier said that Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez — his cousin — and their allies in Congress <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/9/15/marcos-romualdez-allies-will-not-be-spared-in-independent-probe-on-flood-control-projects-1039">will “not be spared”</a> from the scrutiny of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), a panel tasked to investigate all flood control and infrastructure projects in the country in the past 10 years.</p><p>Malacañang urged the public to avoid linking the planned September 21 demonstrations against corruption to alleged plots to destabilize the current administration, underscoring that the AFP has already issued a statement denying rumors of a possible withdrawal of support for the President.</p><p>“Ito pong pagpuprotesta na ito ay huwag nating ihalo iyong mga military, uniform personnel dahil ang protestang ito ay manggagaling talaga sa taumbayan at hindi po sila dapat gamitin para magkaroon ng destabilization,” Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said.</p><div><a href="https://push.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/9/15/marcos-on-anti-corruption-protests-if-i-wasn-t-president-i-might-be-out-in-the-streets-0950">‘Show that you are enraged’: Marcos backs mass protests vs flood control mess</a></div><p>“Muli, ang Pangulo ay nirirespeto ang mga tinig ng taumbayan. Kung ano ang hinaing, iyan po ay nadidinig at nararamdaman ng Pangulo,” she said.</p><p>“Huwag lamang pong haluan ng ibang intensyon para mismong gibain ang gobyerno, iyan po ay labag sa batas,” she said.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/9/16/no-threat-vs-marcos-in-upcoming-flood-control-protests-malaca-ang-1451">No threat vs Marcos in upcoming flood control protest</a></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xGIZ0_6tzqQ?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday reminded newly-promoted officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines that their new ranks are “not only a milestone but a renewed pledge” that their “loyalty remains with the Constitution and the Filipino people.”</p>

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday reminded newly-promoted officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines that their new ranks are “not only a milestone but a renewed pledge” that their “loyalty remains with the Constitution and the Filipino people.”

Marcos reminds newly-promoted AFP leaders: ‘Always uphold rule of law, defend our democracy’

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Marcos reminds newly-promoted AFP leaders: ‘Always uphold rule of law, defend our democracy’

Katrina Domingo,

ABS-CBN News

Published Sep 17, 2025 10:04 AM PHT

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Updated Sep 17, 2025 08:04 PM PHT

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Marcos

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Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Armed Forces of the Philippines

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