Remain non-partisan in polls, Army reminds troops

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 21, 2021): Remain non-partisan in polls, Army reminds troops (By Priam Nepomuceno)

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The Philippine Army (PA) on Thursday reminded all of its officers and enlisted personnel to remain non-partisan in the conduct of next year's national and local elections.

In a media interview, PA spokesperson, Col. Xerxes Trinidad said this means Army troops cannot join any activity that can be considered political in nature.

Trinidad also said this "guidance" came straight from Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

"It only means that the PA will always be fair and (ready to) secure everybody if needed and not to join in any activity that can be considered political in nature," he added.

He said the directive emphasized that Army personnel should maintain its discipline and professionalism.

"This guidance (serve) as a constant reminder for our personnel, for the Armed Forces and actually for the security forces to remain non-partisan (with the elections coming near), the marching orders of our commanding general (Lt. Gen. Andres Centino) is to (maintain our) professionalism and discipline among the ranks so these things should be avoided, encouraged to be non-partisan," Trinidad added.

He added that PA personnel found violating this order can be charged.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1157352