NEWS about recent surveys results by three different polling firms reflecting negative trust and satisfaction ratings for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. were eclipsed by a story that grabbed headlines.
In that story, an active-duty Philippine Army colonel allegedly expressed on social media his “respectful withdrawal” of his “personal support” from his commander-in-chief. In the social media post attributed to this senior officer, he purportedly asserted that Marcos “has lost his moral ascendancy to lead the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and to govern the Filipino people as President of the Republic.”
What we know
While the post is being validated, it already sparked heated discussions on social media. As may be expected, netizens — depending upon which political fence they sit — either praised or condemned his action.
The officer who gained prominence overnight is Col. Audie Mongao, a member of the Philippine Military Academy’s (PMA) Tanglaw Diwa Class of 1992. On Friday, he was removed from his position as commander of the Training Support Group of the Training and Doctrine Command of the Philippine Army.
Mongao, a graduate of the Command and General Staff Course who holds a master’s degree in National Security Administration, has served in various levels of command and staff positions. His “mistahs” who are mostly in command and leadership positions include Philippine National Police acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. and Philippine Air Force Lt. Gen. Rommel Roldan, the AFP’s deputy chief of staff.
As of today, Mongao has served the AFP for 37 years, nine months and nine days, including his cadetship at the PMA. He is due for compulsory retirement on May 15, 2026, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 57.
What is forthcoming
It was not clear what his motivations were in making that alleged public statement. But one thing is certain: the AFP will take appropriate steps forthwith to protect the institution from partisan politics and the exploitation of the incident. Mongao will be facing an investigation, as the AFP already stated. Depending upon findings of probable cause, he is likely to be charged for violations of Article of War 96 (AW 96) Conduct Unbecoming of an Officer and a Gentleman, and Article of War 97 (AW 97) for Conduct Prejudicial to Good Order and Military Discipline.
A general court-martial (GCM) that the AFP chief of staff is empowered to constitute shall be mandated to hear and decide the case. The stakes Mongao faces are high.
A guilty verdict in both charges carry with it the penalty of separation from the service (dishonorable) and forfeiture of pay and allowances due and become due. This means the pension gratuity and other benefits due him when he could have retired compulsorily from active military service on May 15 will be forfeited. That is worth millions of pesos that have accumulated over the years! And depending upon the appreciation of the members of the GCM as to the severity of the offense, a period of confinement (incarceration) can be imposed on Mongao at the wise discretion of the court. (People of the Philippines vs. Carlos Garcia GR 198554, July 30, 2012).
A hero or villain; wise or foolish?
Netizens weigh in, trolls included.
Some would call Mongao a “hero” for having the temerity to go against the very position of the institution he belongs to. It takes immense moral courage to stand for what one believes to be right, even if the odds are hugely against him.
Others opined he is a villain, a misfit in the service who allowed himself to be dragged in partisan politics. Someone who enabled those against the current administration for some gains.
Some called him a fool for trading his more than three decades of service, his pension and retirement pay, the increased salary and other emoluments by “turning his back” on the president with “no moral ascendancy.” Mongao could have waited until he hung up his uniform; by then there would be no more support to “withdraw” and no GCM charges to contend with.
Yet others considered him wise, an officer of strong character and principles who knows when to call a spade a spade. One who is able to discern when it is time to pull a stop, and say “enough is enough” and call out moral decadence.
But as to what really compelled Mongao into doing what he allegedly did, only he can say. And we all can just speculate, until he speaks, and we believe what he says.
AFP’s order of business
By now, AFP unit commanders could have received orders anew to conduct troop information and education and engage officers and men in dialogue. This seeks to ensure that there will no longer be another “Mongao” to go against institutional norms. One that dictates that one may gripe, but has no right to declare it publicly.
Behind closed doors, it is customary for members of the staff to argue on matters submitted for commanders to decide. Dissenting views and insights of subordinate commanders are even encouraged. But once the commander has made a decision or took a position, everyone toes the line.
It did not happen here.
The coming days would be difficult for Mongao as he faces the scrutiny of his superiors and the prospect of trial by court-martial. His credibility will be questioned, and the morality of his actions doubted.
In deviating from established institutional norms and organizational stand on the issue of the fitness of the commander-in-chief to lead and govern, is Mongao alone in the ranks of the AFP?
Is he an officer of steep ideals who traded his retirement benefits and reputation for his uncompromising principles, or is he just another jilted aspirant to star rank whose years of military service have gone awry and misstepped?
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