AFP to Singson: Bring Corruption Claims to Court

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has pushed back against corruption allegations made by former Ilocos Sur governor Luis Singson, urging him to present any evidence through the proper judicial channels.

In a briefing at Camp Aguinaldo, AFP spokesperson Francel Margareth Padilla emphasized that allegations involving civilian governance, public funds, or economic policy fall under the jurisdiction of civilian courts and oversight bodies — not the military.

The response follows Singson’s remarks during a press conference in San Juan, where he warned that corruption has reached levels he claimed undermine the dignity of the armed forces. He further alleged that some military officials were paid to remain silent, and called on AFP leadership to publicly oppose corruption.

The AFP’s reply was firm but procedural:
If there is evidence, submit it.
If there is wrongdoing, file it.
If there is truth, let it pass through the courts.

The exchange highlights a familiar tension in public discourse — the difference between allegation and adjudication. Institutions, the AFP stressed, are bound not by press statements, but by law, evidence, and due process.

In moments like this, silence is often mistaken for weakness. But in governance, restraint can also mean discipline — and respect for the rule of law.

“A matter is settled by witnesses, not by words alone.”
— Proverbs 18:17