Generals Urge PH Officials: Uphold WPS Stance or 'Step Aside'

A group of retired and active generals, under the banner of the Association of General and Flag Officers (AGFO), stated on Thursday that public officials unable to support the country's legal positions and official legal submissions on the West Philippine Sea (WPS), such as the recent Extended Continental Shelf filing, should either pursue judicial remedies or "respectfully step aside." The association emphasized that adherence to legal obligations is a matter of compliance with the law, not political alignment. Led by retired Police Major General German Doria, the group asserted that allegiance to the Constitution, adherence to the Rule of Law, and the defense of national sovereignty are "non-negotiable duties" for every public servant. Government officials are bound by their oath to faithfully serve the Republic and comply with Philippine laws that define and relate to the country's sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea, they noted. AGFO also called for a unified national stance in support of active-duty military personnel safeguarding the country's maritime territory and Filipino fisherfolk exercising their sovereign rights within the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Furthermore, they urged members of the media and public commentators to present official policy statements in their full legal context to avoid misleading interpretations and unnecessary public division. The association reaffirmed its commitment to a peaceful, secure, and sovereign Philippines and called on all public servants to remain united in upholding the Rule of Law and protecting the country's national interests. Information Source: GMA News Philippines