Colonel Audie A. Mongao, a senior officer with 34 years of active service in the Philippine Army, has publicly withdrawn his personal support for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., declaring the President has “lost his moral ascendancy to lead.” The move, described by the officer as an act of conscience, has sparked statements of solidarity from political and civil society groups.
In a statement, Col. Mongao, a Master in National Security Administration (MNSA) holder and former Battalion Commander, drew a line between loyalty to the Constitution and support for an individual. “As a Filipino, I am respectfully withdrawing my personal support to Mr. Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.,” he stated. “He has lost his moral ascendancy to lead the Armed Forces as Commander-in-Chief and govern the Filipino people as President of the Republic.” He concluded with a rallying cry: “Sobra na. Tama na! The Filipino people is worth fighting for.”
The colonel’s declaration has been met with public backing from several quarters, framing his act as one of principle and patriotism.
- United People’s Initiative (UPI): The group issued a formal “Statement of Solidarity,” asserting that Mongao’s words “were not rebellion. They were fidelity to the Constitution.” They emphasized that his act reaffirmed that “moral ascendancy matters,” “leadership is not inherited—it is earned daily,” and “The Armed Forces serve the PEOPLE, not personalities.” They directly addressed the colonel: “You are not alone. You are heard. You are supported.”
- Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP): Through its Deputy Spokesperson, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, the PDP expressed solid support for Mongao’s “principled and courageous act.” The statement acknowledged the potential consequences for his career and safety, praising his display of “the best traits of the Filipino soldier: strength, gallantry, and a commitment to protect the country and its people no matter the price.” The PDP also claimed Mongao was “merely expressing what many in the military feel” and offered him assistance.
- Political Analyst Prof. Malou Tiquia: A known political strategist, Tiquia highlighted the institutional significance of the move. “When an active officer makes the supreme sacrifice of his 34 years of service, then the break in that chain-of-command becomes palpable,” she stated. While noting the withdrawal was personal, she asserted its symbolic weight: “Malaking bagay na tumayo kayo at naki-isa. Sana mayroon pa na sumunod sa inyo (It is a big deal that you stood up and united. I hope more will follow you).”
Col. Audie A. Mongao (O-10933) is a Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1992 graduate with a career spanning frontline infantry command, public affairs, and most recently, leadership roles within the Army’s Training Command (TRACOM). His executive profile describes him as being “recognized for discipline, integrity, constitutional fidelity, and principled command.” Analysts supporting him stress that his voice is “not impulse or politics, it is judgment forged by responsibility and restraint.”
The public withdrawal of support by a sitting senior military officer is a rare and politically charged event. It invokes historical instances of military intervention in Philippine politics. The statements from supporting groups directly challenge the administration’s authority, with the PDP referencing “reactionary forces that are desperately trying to cling to power.”
As of this writing, the Philippine Army has relieved Colonel Audie Mongao from his post as Commander of the Training Support Group, effective immediately, following his online statement withdrawing support from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., according to a statement from Major General Michael G. Logico, Commander of the Army Training Command (TRACOM). MGen. Logico confirmed that Col. Mongao, who was on New Year’s break and remains unreachable by his command, has been reassigned to an “attached/unassigned” status while an investigation is launched into potential administrative and legal charges. Despite the disciplinary action, Logico emphasized that the command is still attempting to contact Mongao to “extend emotional support,” stating, “He is still my responsibility,” and reaffirming that the Philippine Army remains “professional and steadfast behind our mandate, loyal to the Constitution and the chain of command.”#
