President Marcos Urges Military to Uphold Truth, Combat Disinformation

President Marcos Warns Military Against Disinformation Threats to National Unity

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has urged the Philippine security forces to remain vigilant against organized disinformation campaigns, which he described as a growing threat to national cohesion.

During a dinner with the Armed Forces of the Philippines Council Sergeants Major on Friday, the President emphasized that the country’s stability relies on the military’s unwavering loyalty to the Constitution amid increasing external pressures.

“In these challenging times, when uncertainty clouds our vision, one truth remains: the republic endures because those who protect it do not fall,” Marcos told the uniformed personnel gathered at the event. “Let us not be swayed by the noise of lies amid the spread of misinformation for our division; let us stand on the truth.”

The President outlined several critical challenges facing the nation, including escalating regional tensions, economic strains, and the rapid proliferation of fake news across social media platforms. While he refrained from specifically naming any groups or individuals, Marcos clearly suggested that false information circulating online has been strategically deployed to create division and undermine trust in government institutions.

In a move to address welfare concerns within the military, Marcos also highlighted his administration’s recent decision to increase the daily subsistence allowance for military personnel from ₱200 to ₱350. He acknowledged that while modest, the adjustment was necessary to support troops facing mounting responsibilities.

“It may be a small thing, but it will help the lives of our people, our troops,” the President stated. “With everything we ask of them, this is one burden they should no longer have to worry about.”

The nearly 200 sergeants major present at the dinner expressed their gratitude for the increased allowance and reaffirmed their loyalty to the administration. Force Command Master Sergeant Feliciano Lazo, speaking on behalf of the group, assured the President of their continued professionalism and commitment.

“A simple thank you may not fully capture the depth of your love for our soldiers… but we assure you that our soldiers remain highly professional, disciplined, united in purpose,” Lazo said. “We reaffirm our pledge to the flag, to the Constitution and our duly-elected commander-in-chief and that is you, sir. We remain apolitical and fully committed to preserving unity among Filipinos.”

The President’s remarks come at a sensitive time for Philippine security forces. Earlier this week, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. issued stern warnings regarding the planned “Trillion Peso March,” cautioning that individuals advocating for a military-backed “reset” of the government could face arrest.

Teodoro categorically described such calls as “totally illegal” and potentially constituting incitement to sedition. Security forces have been placed on alert to address any civil unrest that might emerge during the planned demonstration.

“What you cannot do directly, you cannot do indirectly in the law. So, when you say withdrawal of support, it’s an indirect way of saying, ‘I’ll take over,’ which is illegal,” the defense chief explained. “The way I see it, they can be arrested. I mean, it’s illegal. It’s an indirect way, it’s an artful way [of calling for an overthrow of the government].”

The administration’s focus on disinformation comes amid increasing political tensions in the Philippines and broader concerns about information warfare across Southeast Asia. Security analysts have noted that social media platforms have become battlegrounds for competing political narratives, with organized campaigns often attempting to manipulate public opinion and undermine democratic institutions.

The President’s call for military loyalty underscores the administration’s concern about potential destabilization efforts during a period of economic challenges and geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea region, where the Philippines continues to navigate complex territorial disputes with China and other neighboring countries.