Malacañang defended President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s frequent visits to military camps, saying they are part of his responsibilities as commander-in-chief and not related to rumors of potential ouster plots against the administration.
In recent weeks, Marcos Jr. has visited two military camps in Mindanao, approved a base pay increase for all uniformed personnel, and reiterated an earlier move to raise their daily subsistence allowance to P350.
"As long as the President is in office, this should not be questioned," Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro told reporters.
When asked about the discrepancy between the rapid approval of military benefits and the pending petition for a P200 regional wage hike for ordinary Filipino workers, Castro clarified that the President’s authority only covers benefits within his power.
"The visit to our soldiers, to the uniformed personnel, is only proper as commander-in-chief," Castro said.
She added that critics should not question the added benefits for the military, noting the sacrifices uniformed personnel make in fulfilling their duties.
"Recognizing our soldiers should not be based on the noise that is happening now, on political noise," Castro said.
"It is their right and we should only recognize their heroism for our country," she added.
Castro said the wage hike petition falls under Congressional jurisdiction.
"The President is not stopping the salary increase that is within his power but that increase of P200 that they are mentioning, that is in the hands of Congress," Castro explained.
The remarks come amid reports that several uniformed officials allegedly urged Senator Panfilo Lacson to join an effort to replace the current administration with a "caretaker" approved by the military amid corruption allegations.
The current military leadership has denied that an ouster plot is underway, and tycoon Ramon Ang, reportedly considered for a caretaker role, also denied any such offer.
