VICE PRESIDENT Sara Duterte questioned how Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner Jr., could sleep peacefully while politicians siphon off billions of public funds.
“Tang-ina ninyo [referring to the current administration]. Hindi pa kayo nakakita ng kalaban na tulad ko. Nagpigil ako ng nagpigil kasi masama sa bayan, hindi maganda ang political instability,” the vice president said in a Zoom press briefing on Saturday, Nov. 23.
“I let you destroy my name over and over because I have nothing to lose. You already destroyed it; there’s nothing left to ruin.”
“Then, you do this? I don’t know how the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines can sleep soundly at night, knowing our country is in this state. Billions and billions are going missing.”
The vice president further urged the public to ask Davao City Rep. Isidro Ungab, the former chairman of the powerful appropriations committee, about how the funds were disappearing, particularly within the Department of Education.
AFP responds
In response, the AFP issued a statement reiterating that it is a professional organization focused on the mandate of protecting the people and the state.
“Our personnel are loyal to the Constitution and the Chain of Command,” Brawner said.
“We are facing greater challenges that require the strength of a united country and armed forces. As a cornerstone of national stability, the AFP shall remain non-partisan, with utmost respect for our democratic institutions and civilian authority,” Brawner added.
“We call for calm and resolve, and for everyone to hold on to our values of respect and nationalism, which will guide us in these trying times. We reiterate our need to stand together against those who will try to break our bonds as Filipinos,” he concluded.
Screenshot photo of Rhoda Grace B Saron
