Trust in the AFP

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is the protector of the people and the State.

- ATTY. MIKE TOLEDO

You've seen this often being quoted again and again from Section 3, Article II (Declaration of Principles and State Policies) of the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines. And the same section provides that "Its (AFP's) goal is to secure the sovereignty of the State and the integrity of the national territory." On matters of national security, we can expect our AFP to stand our ground and defend us from external threats.

It is no wonder then that trust in the AFP still remains high.

In the latest July 2025 research survey conducted by OCTA Research, an independent think tank based in the country first recognized for its epidemiological forecasts, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, 81 percent of adult Filipinos expressed trust in the AFP, while 82 percent said they were satisfied with the institution's performance.

This marked an increase from previous surveys, such as that in April 2025 which showed 65 percent trust and performance ratings.

A vast improvement, indeed, and this was greeted with much gratitude from the AFP leadership.

In a statement, AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said that, "we are especially honored that the AFP remains in the hearts and minds of our fellow citizens."