Rep. Paolo Z. Duterte on Saturday criticized Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. over his statement that U.S. missiles stationed in the Philippines could reach China.
Duterte called the remark irresponsible and dangerous, warning it could drag Filipinos into a potential conflict between superpowers. “Before you boast about missiles that can reach China, can you guarantee that you can stop the retaliation?” Duterte said.
He accused Brawner of acting in the interest of foreign allies instead of prioritizing national safety. “Who are you really serving — the Philippines or the CIA?” he added.
The Davao City representative also urged the AFP to focus on internal issues like corruption and misuse of public funds. He said military officials should not act as heroes for another country while ignoring problems at home.
Duterte noted that in other countries like China, corrupt generals face severe punishment, while in the Philippines, some are rewarded with promotions.
“The Filipino people do not need someone who is trigger-happy for another country,” Duterte said. “We want peace, security, and sovereignty — not missiles with someone else’s fingerprints.”
