THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has clarified that the military will remain non-partisan in the upcoming May 2025 midterm elections, and that their background checks on candidates will not favor any particular side.
The AFP’s background checks, or intelligence gathering, on election candidates are intended to assist the Commission on Election (Comelec) in ensuring the integrity of the electoral process and protecting national security.
This clarification comes after AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner announced that candidates will undergo background checks to ensure that no foreign influence will sway the midterm elections.
AFP Public Affairs Office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad emphasized that the military is simply doing its job and that the AFP will remain non-partisan in the electoral process. The goal is to prevent a repeat of foreign interference in previous elections.
General Brawner stated that the background checks are part of the military’s preparations for the midterm elections, particularly in light of potential meddling by “foreign actors.” He added that if any candidate raises “red flags,” the AFP will immediately notify the Comelec.
Colonel Trinidad explained that the AFP is collaborating with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Comelec in this effort, focusing on potential security threats and foreign interference that could have a negative influence.
