Questions surrounding “unity” within the Philippines’ political landscape have surfaced as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) rush to clarify and deny the existence of destabilization plot against the administration of President Bongbong Marcos.
The controversy began after AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. acknowledged the existence of a purported destabilization plot during a speech at the Western Mindanao Change of Command Ceremony in Zamboanga.
However, in a puzzling reversal, Brawner later claimed that he was misquoted and had not mentioned any destabilization plans or plots during his speech, saying “it was taken out of context.”
During an interview with GMA News, Brawner clarified his stance, stating, “When we talk about a ‘plot,’ it implies an intention to execute. What I said during my speech was that we have heard rumors of destabilization efforts. That is the specific word I used, so I did not use the word ‘plot.'”
However, a video of Brawner’s speech, which has circulated widely on social media platforms, contradicts his recent recantation.
In his speech, Brawner referred to some individuals involved in the destabilization plot against the Marcos administration as former AFP officers. He stated that they were calling for rallies and a coup d’etat, with the aim of replacing the President.
He urged AFP officers and enlisted personnel not to join the destabilization movement and warned that those who did would face consequences. “Once we find out any active personnel involved in this (plot), we will act swiftly but judiciously,” Brawner cautioned.
However, many netizens found themselves puzzled by Brawner’s retraction, given that his Friday speech had been clear and unambiguous regarding his assertion of destabilization.
In that speech, Brawner said: “”Marami tayong naririnig ngayon na mga masasabi nating destabilization efforts. May mga nagsasabi na dapat palitan ang ating Pangulo dahil sa maraming rason. May mga nagsasabi na magkaroon ulit ng coup d’etat and sadly some of them were former officers of the AFP.”
Despite these contradictions, Brawner now emphasized the importance of unity and progress for the country. “Let’s have mercy on our country. Let’s give our country the chance to move forward to progress,” he added.
The statements from Brawner created confusion and led to questions about the promise of “unity” within the current Marcos-Duterte administration.
Some netizens on various platforms even suspected a growing political tension between the Marcos camp and the Duterte camp.
AFP Spokesperson, Colonel Medel Aguilar, and National Security Adviser Eduardo Año also denied the existence of any destabilization plots against the President, asserting that the AFP Chief had been misunderstood.
“I can tell you that there is no security threat to be worried about. The AFP is a professional organization, we follow the law, we follow the chain of command, and we are loyal to the constitution,” stated Aguilar.
The Philippine National Police similarly stated that they found no basis for the alleged destabilization plot, while the Malacañang has not yet issued any comment on the matter.
However, a significant number of Filipino netizens remained skeptical about the retraction, with some even raising questions about the “unity” promised by the current Marcos-Duterte administration.
These netizens also harbored suspicions of an escalating political conflict between the Marcos camp and the Duterte camp.
Commenting on an X platform, a netizen remarked, “Anong nangyari sa UNITY? A destabilization plot is the most unfortunate thing to happen to a weak and flawed leadership.”
Another netizen noted the conflicting statements of administration officials, saying, “Wala kayong group chat? Lagi kayong hindi aligned e.”
In response to Brawner’s Friday speech that unequivocally described a destabilization plot against the incumbent administration, some netizens reposted his statements and questioned why there seemed to be inconsistencies in the subsequent responses.
Meanwhile, Commodore Jay Tarriela, spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard, issued a warning to the public regarding narratives that appeared to align with China’s interests.
Some netizens speculated that Tarriela’s message was directed at former President Rodrigo Duterte, his allies, and pro-Duterte vloggers.
In an October 30 tweet, Tarriela posted a list of pro-China narratives being spread by certain groups.
While Tarriela did not name these groups directly, he implied their identity, stating, “Ironically, these individuals claim to be pro-Filipino while promoting Chinese narratives and even contradicting factual reports from Philippine authorities. Their intention is to manipulate public opinion and divert attention from the issue of Chinese aggression. Their strategy revolves around discrediting both the message and the messenger.”
A verified X user, William John G. Balderama, bluntly commented that Tarriela must be referring to the Duterte camp.
“As I read your narratives, I wonder where you would put this in in the explanatory notes—those whom we tag as pro-China are largely pro-Duterte. They follow what the former president says, a big China fan, and with equal fervor, whatever her daughter Sara favors,” Balderama said.
Another netizen posted a list of pro-China Duterte supporters, suggesting that it was time to investigate them.
The list of names comprises former Marcos spokesperson Trixie Cruz-Angeles, Mark Anthony Lopez, Lorraine Badoy Partosa, Jay Sonza, Pebbles Cunana, Ferdinand Topacio, Sass Rolando Sasot, among others.
However, the poster did not substantiate their claim that the individuals listed, who support Duterte, echo China’s propaganda.
The Daily Netizen 