The Department of National Defense (DND) on Tuesday denounced and distanced itself from the statement of retired military general Antonio Parlade, Jr. who called for the establishment of a revolutionary government.
"We at the Department of Defense denounce the attempt by LtGen Parlade to involve the Department specially the AFP in airing his personal grievances and his call for a revolutionary government," said Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana in a statement.
According to Lorenzana, the DND affirms its commitment to the nation and will continue to comply with the Constitutional authority.
This includes the Constitutional mandate that prohibits the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) from engaging in partisan politics or endorsing a candidate for the elections.
"I have directed the AFP to be apolitical and neutral. The Constitution forbids any active military personnel from engaging in partisan politics or supporting any candidates," said Lorenzana.
"We will ensure that this is followed and enforced."
Parlade with his supporters on Tuesday flocked to EDSA People Power Monument to propose the establishment of a revolutionary government to address corruption within the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and other government agencies.
Over his actions, the DND said that while Filipinos are entitled to freedom of expression, this "should be done through proper grievance mechanisms."
The retired military general, who was also the former spokesperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), intended to run for president for the upcoming May elections, but was cut from the final roster by the COMELEC.
