President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday called on the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to ensure the “peaceful, credible, and orderly” conduct of this year’s midterm elections.

“Once again, we find ourselves at a critical juncture where we have to preserve not only the integrity of our election, but the very ethos of our democracy,” Marcos said after the oath-taking of the newly-promoted AFP generals and flag officers and graduates of the Foreign Pre-Commission Training Institutions (FPCTI) in a ceremony at Malacañan Palace in Manila.

“As a nation that deeply values and honors our right to vote, we are counting on the armed forces to ensure a peaceful, credible, and orderly conduct of the electoral process that the Filipinos expect from us. We cannot fail them,” he added.

Earlier this month, the AFP joined the solidarity pact signing for the May 12 polls to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process, ensure the voters’ safety, and maintain peace and order during the election period.

Marcos urged the newly-promoted AFP officials and FPCTI graduates to be at the forefront as the government pushes for a “secure, prosperous, and thriving Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines).”

He told them to stay “disciplined, patriotic, and ever-committed to the greater good for the greatest number.”

“Be assured that this Administration stands with you side by side in upholding peace, democracy, and the rule of law,” Marcos said. “As your Commander-in-Chief, I offer you my salute and express my utmost appreciation to all your selfless sacrifices and services, not only to get to this point but all through the years of your duty.”

Be ‘innovative, agile’

Philippine Navy Flag Officer-in-Command Vice Adm. Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta was among the newly-promoted AFP general and flag officers who took oath before Marcos.

Marcos called on the military to be “innovative” and “agile,” amid geopolitical challenges.

He expressed confidence that they would continue to serve with honor and with integrity and remain resolute in preserving the country’s sovereignty by ensuring regional peace and international cooperation.

“Undoubtedly, the world demands more from us now than was demanded from us before. We are now expected to be innovative. We are expected to be agile, and to have foresight. But one demand that has never changed, and that is for courage—to have the courage to respond, to have the courage to adapt,” Marcos said.

“This career milestone testifies to the hard work, dedication, and adherence to the fulfillment of your duties as vanguards of your security. As you move forth with your journey on this lifelong commitment to the nation, carry always with you the core values of the AFP,” he added. (PNA)