By Billy Begas
House Majority Leader and Zamboanga City Rep. Manuel Jose Dalipe on Sunday appealed to former President Rodrigo Duterte to spare the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) from partisan intrigues that could unnecessarily raise questions about their professionalism and neutrality.
“I respectfully appeal to former President Rodrigo Duterte to recognize the paramount importance of keeping our Armed Forces and National Police free from partisan politics. These institutions serve as the bedrock of our nation’s security, and their effectiveness relies on unity and impartiality,” Dalipe said.
Dalipe said Duterte’s statements insinuating the involvement of the AFP and PNP in political activities are very unfair to the officers and enlisted personnel who have diligently worked to restore the credibility and high level of professionalism within their ranks.
“We have already achieved so much in our quest to professionalize our military and police service. Let us not squander what we have accomplished by putting the AFP and the PNP in a bad light because of these baseless statements,” he added.
Dalipe stressed that the days of military adventurism are over, highlighting that the AFP and the PNP are dedicated to fulfilling their Constitutional mandate as cornerstones of the country’s democracy and sovereignty.
“The AFP and the PNP have more important things to do than watching Congress, as claimed by the former President. Our uniformed service must be insulated from partisan activities and should maintain the highest degree of professionalism. Huwag na sana niyang idamay ang AFP at PNP,” Dalipe added.
As a former president and a respected statesman, Dalipe said Duterte should prioritize the nation’s well-being over political interests. He also emphasized the importance of fostering an environment where the AFP and PNP can fulfill their duties without becoming entangled in divisive political agendas.
At the same time, Dalipe asserted that Duterte’s remarks regarding the purported presidential ambition of House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez are not only baseless but also premature.
Dalipe said the presidential election is still too far away, scheduled for 2028.
He noted that Romualdez is busy ensuring the swift passage of the Marcos administration’s priority measures.
