Malacañang: Security forces must prioritize public service, not the Duterte family.

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Tuesday, March 25, dismissed the Duterte family's attempts to directly involve the military in their political controversies.

During a Senate hearing on the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, Vice President Sara Duterte questioned why the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) did not intervene.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized that public servants, including the military and police, should remain neutral and not be drawn into personal issues. "The military, soldiers, and police serve the nation, not just the Duterte family," Castro stated in a press briefing.

Her remarks were in response to Senate President Francis Escudero, who criticized the vice president’s call for military involvement, pointing out a recurring pattern of the Duterte family seeking AFP intervention in political matters.

Escudero defended the AFP, clarifying that it was merely assisting law enforcement operations and could not oppose the police. "Why are we trying to create conflict between the AFP and law enforcement?" he questioned.

This is not the first time the Duterte family has appealed to the military. Previously, Rodrigo Duterte challenged the AFP’s loyalty to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., leading to accusations of incitement to sedition.

As a former president, Duterte once held command over the military, but executive authority is temporary and ends with a president’s term. While Marcos is the current commander-in-chief, his power over the AFP will also cease once his presidency ends.

Additionally, Vice President Sara Duterte has no direct authority over the military unless the president grants her a defense role in the Cabinet.

Source:https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/03/25/2431002/malacaang-police-military-should-serve-people-not-duterte-family