When there’s smoke, there’s fire.
That is how Senator Imee Marcos, eldest sister of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., described the alleged destabilization plot in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
In an interview, Imee said she believes that the circulating police memorandum from the Philippine National Police purportedly placing all its units under the highest alert status was “fake news”.
However, she floated the possibility that the destabilization plot stemmed from the newly passed Republic Act 11709, which sets a fixed three-year tour of duty for the AFP’S chief of staff and other key officials “unless sooner terminated by the President”.
“I was expecting that it was fake news but in reality, when there’s smoke, there’s a fire,” Imee said.
The lady lawmaker underscored that discussion among concerned stakeholders should be done to resolve the matter.
“I am expecting that these issues in our military with the new law will be resolved as soon as possible,” said Imee, referring to RA 11709.
“We are now undergoing a work phase, we are adjusting. I hope it will be tackled by all of the sectors to avoid forced resignations or replacements,” she added.
The senator noted that the law enacted by former president Rodrigo Duterte two months before he stepped down from office, would cause great changes in the AFP, hence, a discussion with stakeholders is a must.
“We know that every time there’s a new bill, there is a need to reassess, there is a need to reconvene and consult all the concerned stakeholders, that doesn’t only for the military but for everyone,” she said.
“It is because President Duterte started to implement many changes which are now being continued by my brother. There’s really a need to talk and consult all those who would be affected if there’s any,” she added.