MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. urged newly commissioned officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to remain loyal to the Constitution and serve with integrity as they begin their military careers.

Speaking at the Major Services Officer Candidate Course Joint Graduation Ceremony at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, Marcos reminded the graduates that their duty is to the Republic and the Filipino people.

“Your loyalty must not be to any individual or faction, but only to the Republic,” the President said, emphasizing that the AFP “must always rise above politics.”

Marcos told the graduates that success in the military is measured not by medals alone but by how well they serve their fellow citizens. He noted that global changes continue to create new risks for the Philippines, stressing the need for vigilance in defending the country’s sovereignty, especially in the West Philippine Sea.

“We will stay vigilant against any attempt to weaken our sovereignty or test our resolve,” he said.

The President highlighted the importance of the graduates’ training, which he said has prepared them to think quickly, act decisively, and work with both local units and international partners. He also said their integrity must be evident in their conduct as uniformed personnel.

“There will be moments when your integrity will be tested. Corruption and dishonesty can manifest in many forms. Kaya piliin niyo lagi ang tama. Piliin ninyo ang bayan. Piliin ninyo ang katapatan at ang kapayapaan,” Marcos said.

Marcos also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting a modern and professional AFP, citing ongoing investments in radar systems, ships, aircraft, facilities, and disaster-response capabilities. He added that the Philippines continues to deepen security partnerships with Japan, the United States, Australia, and other allies “to better protect our shared peace and stability.”

He reminded the graduates that their mission extends beyond combat, including disaster relief, election security, and delivering services to remote communities.

The President also thanked the families of the graduates as well as their instructors and mentors “who guided them with patience and purpose.”

A total of 638 cadets completed the one-year Officer Candidate Course (OCC) this year. The graduates include 326 members of the Philippine Army’s Class “Bumannawag,” 164 from the Philippine Air Force’s Class “Kahimdaliyan,” and 148 from the Philippine Navy’s Class “Sagmaraya.” They will join the AFP as second lieutenants and ensigns.

Marcos, joined by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., also conferred awards on top-performing students during the ceremony.