National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo Año criticized Davao del Norte 1st District Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez for urging the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to withdraw their support from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

In a statement issued today through the Presidential Communications Office, Año calls on the Department of Justice (DOJ) to review and consider legal action against the lawmaker.

“With respect to his recent call to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to withdraw support from the administration, Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez severely underestimated the professionalism and integrity of both the AFP and the PNP. Both institutions are loyal to the Constitution, the rule of law, the chain of command, and the President as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. Insinuations to the contrary are baseless and unfounded,” the statement read.

Congressman Alvarez called for the “withdrawal of support” to the chief executive during a rally in Tagum City, Davao del Norte on Sunday, arguing that this action aligns with the constitutional provision protecting the people and the state. Former President Rodrigo Duterte was also present at the rally, where Alvarez urged Marcos to resign from the presidency.

Secretary Año condemns the call for withdrawal of support as illegal and unconstitutional.

“Any call for withdrawal of support when done by a public official, more so one that is also a high-ranking reservist officer, is not only irresponsible but also illegal and unconstitutional. It erodes the very foundation of our democratic institutions and undermines the supremacy of civilian authority over the military. Such utterances and actions can be construed as seditious or rebellious and they have no place in our society,” Año said.

The national security adviser emphasized the importance of maintaining the neutrality and professionalism of the AFP and PNP, which should not be exploited for partisan political agendas.

“In a democratic society such as ours, the armed forces are neutral and apolitical, serving the interests of the nation as a whole. The AFP and PNP shall continue to remain above petty partisan, political, or personal interests. Rep Alvarez, and others who may be similarly inclined, should not drag such respected institutions to serve their partisan agenda or self-interest, even if such calls are made, as he claimed, in a fit of emotion,” Año added.

He urges the Department of Justice to conduct a comprehensive review of this matter and to consider pursuing appropriate legal actions against Rep. Alvarez and others in similar circumstances.

“His words and deeds are a disservice to our men and women in uniform who risk their lives daily to safeguard our nation’s security, defend us from all manner of threats, and uphold the Constitution,” Año concluded.

The Philippine National Police is currently assessing whether Alvarez’s statement could be deemed “seditious.” Several lawmakers have criticized Alvarez, who may face sedition charges in addition to an ethics probe for urging police officers and military personnel to withdraw their support for President Marcos.

📷 National Security Council of the Philippines, Congressman Pantaleon Alvarez FB