Undersecretary Jose Faustino Jr., Department of National Defense officer-in-charge (File photo)
MANILA – Undersecretary Jose Faustino Jr., Department of National Defense (DND) officer-in-charge, on Friday enjoined Filipinos to stand united behind the leadership of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in the wake of what he calls attempts to “divide us as a nation”.
Faustino issued the statement amid rumors that Executive Secretary Victor Rodriguez has resigned from his post.
The DND chief maintained that the department is a professional organization that is committed to its mandate of ensuring the defense of the country and the security of the Filipino people.
He also added that as public servants, every member of the DND, including soldiers, airmen, marines, and civilian human resources of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, take every aspect of their jobs responsibly.
"Importantly, we fully support the leadership of His Excellency, President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., and his vision of a stronger and better Philippines through national unity, nation-building and economic recovery," Faustino said.
"Your Defense Department is cognizant of the need for cohesiveness as a people to achieve our desired goal. Hence, the recent innuendos against the Honorable Executive Secretary, Victor Rodriguez, or against any person for that matter, is an assault to his honor," Faustino added
He said any attempt to divide the nation through malicious allegations is anathema to the collective aspiration for a stable and progressive Philippines.
"As a dignified people, we should protect our societal integrity. Thus, I respectfully enjoin every Filipino to stand united behind our country's leadership," Faustino said. (PNA)
