Jamaine Punzalan

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. leads the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony at Rizal Park, Manila in celebration of the 126th Independence Day on June 12, 2024. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

INDEPENDENCE DAY- MARCOS

Bianca Dava

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/178332238355620240612-marcos-independence-day-JC-6617.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. leads the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony at Rizal Park, Manila in celebration of the 126th Independence Day on June 12, 2024. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News </span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Monday said there was no need to remind members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to remain nonpartisan as the <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/sara-duterte-impeachment-trial">impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte </a>began, saying military personnel already understand their constitutional duty.</p><p>Speaking to reporters in Quezon City, Teodoro said the impeachment proceedings are part of the country’s constitutional process and should not be used to draw the military into political issues.</p><p>“Hindi na natin kailangan mag-remind sa ating mga sundalo,” Teodoro said.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/sara-duterte-impeachment-trial">Impeachment Trial of Sara Duterte </a></div><p>Instead, Teodoro directed his message to groups and individuals trying to encourage soldiers to intervene in political affairs.</p><p>“Ang ating message na lang doon sa mga naghihikayat sa mga sundalo, wala kayong kararatnan. Alam na ng ating kasundaluhan ang kanilang constitutional duty. Hindi na kami nagpapaalala dahil part na ng psyche nila ’yan,” he said.</p><p>Teodoro warned that those attempting to influence the military have motives that are contrary to the rule of law.</p><p>“Kaya doon sa nagpapaalala, nagpapahapyaw o humihikayat sa ating mga sundalo, masama ang balak ninyo. Hindi nasa batas ang balak ninyo at hindi kayo pakikinggan,” the secretary said.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/7/3/afp-reiterates-non-partisan-stance-amid-calls-for-military-intervention-1425">AFP reiterates non-partisan stance amid calls for military intervention </a></div><p>Teodoro’s remarks came as the impeachment trial of Duterte formally began in the Senate, as some groups renewed calls seeking to involve the military in the country’s political issues. </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/5/14/afp-facing-political-economic-informational-war-in-west-ph-sea-brawner-1726">Brawner: AFP facing ‘political, economic, informational’ war in West PH Sea </a><br/><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/6/29/-no-rift-between-ph-china-despite-beijing-s-sanctions-rhetoric-vs-teodoro-palace-1533">&#x27;No rift&#x27; between PH, China despite Beijing&#x27;s sanctions, rhetoric vs Teodoro: Palace </a><br/><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/6/12/defense-chief-teodoro-says-to-keep-doing-my-duty-after-china-sanctions-0813">Defense chief Teodoro says to &#x27;keep doing my duty&#x27; after China sanctions </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/-zqR99HbKYc?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><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/njj2nQDGtzw?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Monday said there was no need to remind members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to remain nonpartisan as the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte began, saying military personnel already understand their constitutional duty.</p>

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Monday said there was no need to remind members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to remain nonpartisan as the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte began, saying military personnel already understand their constitutional duty.

Teodoro warns vs dragging AFP into politics: ‘Hindi kayo pakikinggan’

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Nation

Teodoro warns vs dragging AFP into politics: ‘Hindi kayo pakikinggan’

Bianca Dava,

ABS-CBN News

Published July 06, 2026 03:22 PM PHT

Read More:

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.

impeachment

Armed Forces of the Philippines

nonpartisan

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.