At the centre of the discontent are two flashpoints: allegations that billions of Philippine pesos have been lost to fictitious flood-control projects and proposed pension changes that former officers say would leave them worse off than their civilian counterparts.
Two senior officers, speaking on condition of anonymity, told This Week in Asia that retired air force major general Romeo Poquiz, described as “allegedly with the Duterte group”, recently met Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jnr to persuade him – and other active commanders – to abandon Marcos.
The effort, the officials said, was ultimately rejected.
Philippine anti-corruption protests turn violent
Philippine anti-corruption protests turn violent
“He spoke to General Brawner before the rallies on September 21,” one officer said, adding that Brawner rejected their call to withdraw his support for the president.
