AFP renews allegiance to Code of Conduct
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reaffirmed its commitment to the people and the state as it marked the 35th anniversary of its Code of Conduct. In a ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Monday, Oct. 6, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr. led an oath-taking to renew loyalty to the Code, calling on all soldiers and civilian personnel to uphold the military’s constitutional mandate to protect the people and secure the state.
“Strength without integrity is hollow. This is where the AFP Code of Conduct stands as our foundation. For 35 years, it has served as our moral compass, demanding of us the highest standards of honor, service, and patriotism,” Brawner said, underscoring that ethics and discipline are essential to sustaining public confidence in the institution.
In a period when corruption and abuse of power orbit discussions about governance, the AFP chief emphasized that the code provides a steady framework for behavior and accountability. He noted that public scrutiny is sharp and the moral lines are often blurred, but the Code of Conduct offers a clear blueprint for principled action. “At a time when the lines of morality are blurred and public scrutiny is sharp, the code guides us to remain disciplined, principled, and worthy of the trust of our people that our people place in us,” he said.
The Code of Conduct: A pillar of military ethics
Formerly institutionalized 35 years ago, the Code defines the AFP’s core values of honor, valor, duty, loyalty, and love of country. It serves as a comprehensive framework for ethical behavior and accountability across all branches of the service. The anniversary ceremony also included simultaneous flag-raising events across major services, with troops renewing their pledge to the Code of Conduct.
Brawner directed unit leaders to rekindle the understanding of the AFP Code of Conduct and its allied Code of Ethics among all personnel, including civilian employees. The goal is to ensure that every member—whether in uniform or in a civilian role— grasps the expectations of moral behavior essential to the service’s mission. He reminded the audience that the true power of the AFP lies not only in weapons or strategies but in the courage, character, and service of every soldier, airman, sailor, marine, and civilian who wears the badge of duty to God, country, and people.
Looking to the future: integrity as the cornerstone
As the AFP observes its 90th founding anniversary later this year, the emphasis on integrity and ethical leadership remains central. Brawner also announced the launch of the AFP’s new logo, bearing the theme “Matatag na Sandatahang Lakas, Sandigan ng Bagong Pilipinas,” reflecting the service’s continuity and commitment to national renewal. He described the logo as a narrative of nearly nine decades of service—from the courage of soldiers in battle to the guardians of the seas, skies, and communities—whose sacrifices are written not in books but in the peace and daily lives of Filipinos.
The renewal of the Code of Conduct, paired with the new branding, signals the AFP’s intent to align its ethical standards with a public climate demanding transparency and accountability. While corruption concerns persist in various sectors of government, the AFP leadership argues that a steadfast commitment to moral foundations can help restore trust and credibility in state institutions, including the Armed Forces itself.
For personnel at all levels, the 35th anniversary ceremony served as a reminder that duty extends beyond military actions to the everyday choices that define service—from respectful conduct in the ranks to integrity in administration, procurement, and human resources. In the AFP’s view, disciplined behavior is not optional but essential to fulfilling its constitutional mandate to protect the people and safeguard the state.
Conclusion
As the AFP reaffirms its pledge to the Code of Conduct, analysts and observers will watch how these ethical commitments translate into concrete actions across the organization. The emphasis on integrity—especially amid public concern over corruption—is a statement that the service aims to be a source of trust, not controversy, in the decades to come.
