Shocking claims of nepotism and cronyism at the highest ranks of the Armed Forces of the Philippines were recently unveiled, including favoritism that is allegedly tainting the military’s promotion system.

The pervasive favoritism is said to benefit those from the Comptroller family or close associates of the AFP’s Chief of Staff. Top officials are accused of compromising meritocracy for personal gains, and close associates are reportedly appointed to key positions. 

An open letter that has been making the rounds on social media said the military chief reportedly lacks a moral compass to lead the AFP as he frequently travels with his wife, favorite officials, their spouses, and staff more than anyone else.

For the first time in the AFP's history, a group of floating officers exists, such as Rear Admiral Alberto Carlos, Major Gen. Leonel Nicolas, Major Gen. Antonio Navarrete, Major Gen. Edgar Cardinoza, and Brig. Gen. Amado delA Paz, BRIG. Gen. Jovencio Gonzalez, Brig. Gen. Teofilo, and Col Ferdinand Marcelino. 

Had Col Marcelino not threatened to be a whistleblower, would he have been reappointed as Provost Marshall? 

“Baka mapuwesto na din si Col. Harold Pascua, now with ISAFP and also nagtrabaho din sa (played a role in) extraction sa Turkey. Major Gen. Nafarrete will return to the service on August 23 as COM (commander) of 6ID (Infantry Division) after being on floating status since 2023,” the letter read.
 

“The rest will just be forced to fade away with forced retirement. What a waste of taxpayers’ money, bravery, and dedication to service,” it added. 

“In the Philippines Air Force, Col Eric Gachalian, who had diligently served as Deputy Commander of AIBDC for almost three years, was unexpectedly bypassed by Col. Genaro Mentor, the then Deputy Wing Commander of TOWEASTMIN and a townmate of the CSAFP.

“As a result, Col. Gachalian was transferred to TOWNOL, a move that deeply affected the morale of Col. Nomer Tomesa, who was rumored to be the incoming Wing Commander of TOWNOL. This abrupt rotation has left Col. Tomesa facing the disheartening prospect of having no position available as he approaches his 56th birthday.

“The promotion of Bgen Menor is alleged to have been influenced by both the CSAFP and the SAP Secretary. Additionally, Col. Abellera, despite being the top choice for the position of Provost Marshall General, was overlooked in favor of Col. Marcelino, who was backed by the CSAFP despite being on floating status.”

It added that the situation is similar to that in the Philippine Navy. 

“Five three-star generals currently hold positions (FOIC, TDCS, WESCOM Commander, former ComWESCOM, and the PMA Superintendent), which highlights an imbalance in senior leadership. 

“The rapid promotion of Commodores Garrido and Bautista, both from PMA Class 94, over officers from PMA and OCS Class 91, 92, and 93, further underscores this issue. The disproportionate number of four one-star Marine generals (Adecer, Juan, Papera, and Marcelino) from PMA Class 94 compared to more senior classes is particularly alarming.”

The rest of the letter’s excerpts read: 

“To add insult to senior classes, Commodore Bautista, who just assumed as Commander, CEISSAFP, was recently designated as J6 (a two-star position), and CAPT Emilio Orio Jr was also designated as Commander, Naval Air Wing. PMA Class 94 graduates are truly blessed. Halata na etong malakas na manghatak ng kapwa 94 mistahs sa DND and possibly in connivance with the CSAFP. 

“The Philippine Army also reflects these systemic issues, with the CSAFP failing to address promotion concerns decisively. Col. Sevilla of SOCOM remains promotable despite significant issues. Major Gen. Capulong, expected to become VISCOM Commander, was bypassed in favor of then J3, Lt. Gen. Reyeg, who had never served as a Division Commander. 

“Why go through the ropes of the highly competitive ladder BATCOM, BRIGADE, Division of required skills to get to the top when people can circumvent it because of class dominance, political connections, Marawi Liberators links which CSAFP, among others like Sec. Galvez belong to, etc? Likewise, in EastminCom, Major Gen. Capulong was bypassed again by Com TRADOC, Major Gen. Luis Rex Bergante, a close mistah of the CGPA. 

“Allegedly, bad blood exists between Lt. Gen. Galido and Major Gen. Capulong after two months to please Lt. Gen. Galido's patrons in 6ID, the powerful Mangudadatu patrons. 

“Di na nakapagtataka kasi si CSAFP ay dating commander ng 6ID and CGPA, so common denominator nilang dalawa ay mga politikos ng 6ID AOR (area of responsibility) ang kanilang mga supporters. 

“What happened to years of ATR (Army Transformation Roadmap)? Are we not yet all 'professional '? Does lineage to previous commanders in the past admin mar our future aside from the political persuasions that prevail in selecting the best for positions? 

“Akala ko ba professional organization na tayo? Gen Capulong is a competent, deserving, outstanding, and respected officer. Sabi tao daw sya ni Lorenzana kaya di na consider but General Galvez is inaanak ni Sec Lorenzana, so bakit ‘di consistent? 

“Moreover, kung me stigma na pag connected ka ke Lorenzana kasi Duterte appointee e bakit lahat ng staff ni Lorenzana at Duterte appointees? 

“Furthermore, Brig. Gen. Eliglen Villaflor brags about his call to Mrs. Brawner to secure JSOG and finally covet that elusive star despite a controversial history that includes carving out an unauthorized subdivision for selected PA officers at the 7th ID. 

“Then MGEN Alfredo Rosario of 7th ID, who later became COMWESMINCOM, blocked the promotion of Col. Villaflor due to the land grabbing issue. Barado sa BOSO/BOG. Kaso noong 2024 ay sumipsip kay Mrs. Melody Brawner kayat nakalusot. 

“Accordingly, si Mrs. Brawner ay chairperson ng BOSLO (Board of Senior Ladies Officers) at pinangakuan pa daw si Brig. Gen. Villaflor na maging Commander Ng soon to be Joint Special Operations Command, a two-star position. 

“Moreover, Brig Gen. Villaflor's connection to former Senator Pacquiao is also evident because he provided security detail to the latter during the campaign period. 

“Another accelerated promotion is that of Brig. Gen. Chi Coronel, now J-10, is known to be a close associate of the CSAFP when they were in the Army and a member of the Comptroller family. Similarly, the selection of Col. Grapa as the deputy commander of ASCOM over the seemingly qualified Col. Cabreros, who worked hard to clear his name, has caused demoralization within the Army Logistics family. 

“Further concern arises from the selection of Brig. Gen. Criste as the FSRR Commander over Col. Banua, a battle-tested, experienced, and respected Ranger. Brig. Gen. Criste's political connections prevailed to get him the position to lead the Rangers whilst known as a coup plotter. 

“In so-called special units, why do accommodations take precedence in choosing qualified officers for promotion to head the unit, oftentimes derailing the career paths of those who have a long history with the unit since lieutenant days? 

“Bakit di na consider ang mga naghirap sa unit during junior days at bakit ang namamayagpag ay mga walang combat experience at panay staff lang ang naging trabaho? 

(Why aren’t those who worked hard in the unit during junior days considered only those with no combat experience with only staff assignments?)

“Ang emphasized sa special units ay seniority mula 2022 pero sinira ng mga officers na nagsipag balimbing sa politikos para makapwesto lalo na yung merong bad service record. Sila pa ngayon ang nakaupo.”

(What was emphasized in the special units was seniority since 2022, but it was destroyed by the officers who aligned with politicians to get a position, especially those with a bad service record. They are the ones holding top positions.)