TO prevent a potential threat to government instability, House Assistant Majority Leader Zia Alonto Adiong raised concerns against former speaker Pantaleon Alvarez’s calls for the Armed forces of the Philippines (AFP) to withdraw support from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr., adding that such statements could be construed as an incitement to sedition which may very well fall under the purview of the DOJ for filing charges against the former speaker.
One mode of incitement to sedition, under Article 142 of the Revised Penal Code, refers to a person whose speech may lead or tend to stir up the people against the lawful authorities or to disturb the peace of the community and the safety and order of the Government.
Adiong observes that the statements of the former speaker carry much weight and may be the license needed by certain individuals, even amongst the military, to carry out the destabilization of the government.
Adiong underscored the importance of the AFP remaining apolitical and not being manipulated to destabilize the government or undermine the chain of command, particularly with President Marcos serving as their Commander-in-Chief.
The lawmaker from Lanao del Sur also stressed the AFP’s constitutional duty to protect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country.
“The AFP must always remain apolitical and should not be made pawns to instigate destabilization nor be provoked to undermine the chain of command, the President being their Commander-in-Chief, and in effect infringe their sworn duty under the constitution which is to protect the territorial integrity and the preservation of our country’s sovereignty,” Adiong said.
During a rally in Tagum City over the weekend, Alvarez called on the AFP to retract its support from President Marcos, citing the latter’s policies in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), which Alvarez asserted could escalate tensions and potentially lead to war in the region.
Adiong criticized Alvarez for attempting to influence an institution like the AFP against serving a duly-elected government based solely on differing opinions on foreign policy.
“It is unbecoming of a public official to go to an extent of inducing any government institution from faithfully serving a duly-elected government simply because one holds a different appreciation on foreign policy direction,” Adiong said.
Adiong noted the potential legal implications of such provocative statements, suggesting that they could be interpreted as bordering on sedition.
“Such statement which effectuate potential threats to government stability and may therefore cause social mayhem maybe legally interpreted as bordering to sedition and could be well attract legal repercussions,” he cautioned.
Adiong likewise expressed concern over the escalating rhetoric of pro-China personalities like Alvarez, particularly following the tripartite agreement between the United States, Japan, and the Philippines.
“I was watching their peace rally in Tagum City. Their statements were getting harsh. They’ve become aggressive since the United States, Japan, and the Philippines entered into a tripartite agreement,” observed Adiong.
President Marcos earlier said the cooperation agreement between the three countries would reshape the dynamics in the WPS and the broader region.
Speaking at a press conference in Washington following the first trilateral summit between the nations, President Marcos sought to reassure China that the agreement was not directed against them.
The Chief Executive clarified that the summit was not aimed at any specific country but rather focused on enhancing economic and security ties among Manila, Washington, and Tokyo.
