Army reserve officers who are running in next year’s elections have been relieved of their posts in adherence to the Army’s apolitical stance.
Army spokesman Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the reservists were stripped of their duties and functions by the Army Reserve Command (ARESCOM) in deference to the Army’s neutral stance in the upcoming polls.
He said actor and reservist Capt. Robin Padilla, who is seeking a Senate seat, has quit his post as head of the communications panel of the Philippine Army’s Multi-Sectoral Advisory Board (MSAB).
Other reservists seeking elective posts have also been relieved of their positions. They are Brig. Gen. Herbert Bautista, who is seeking a Senate seat; Col. Isidro Ungab, who is running for reelection as Davao City’s 3rd district representative; Lt. Col. Eugene Balitang, who is running to represent the lone district of Ifugao; Lt. Col. Jayvee Tyron Uy, who is joining the Davao de Oro vice gubernatorial race; and Lt. Col. Rhodora Cadiao, who is seeking reelection as Antique governor.
Army chief and concurrent Armed Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Andres Centino has reiterated the Army’s non-partisanship in next year’s elections.
Centino, in his recent command guidance, directed all Army units and personnel to avoid engaging in partisan politics, maintain professionalism while performing their duties and avoid posting photos or videos that express political partisanship or gestures.
“We have proven that together with the Philippine National Police, the military is a dependable deputy of the Comelec in ensuring that we have a fair election,” Centino said in a recent interview.
“We assure the public that as a professional organization, the military will be non-partisan. We will perform our mandate of ensuring fair elections,” he added.
The Omnibus Election Code prohibit soldiers and law enforcement agencies from engaging in any partisan political activity, including campaigning for any candidate.