Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has challenged a group of retired military officers to file a formal complaint if they possess evidence of an alleged “third force” plotting a coup against the Marcos administration.
Teodoro said the Department of National Defense (DND) has not received any information about such a plan, despite claims made by retired general Romeo Poquiz in a Facebook post.
Poquiz alleged that a “third force” was preparing a “Kudeta Me” plot aimed at installing a civil-military junta.
“From the grapevine. This is what’s shaping up: ‘Kudeta Me’ by the so-called Third Force, then rule by civil military junta,” Poquiz wrote.
“Patriots in the AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines] must not allow this unconstitutional takeover of power,” he added.
Poquiz, convenor of the United People’s Initiative (UPI), has been vocal in calling for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s resignation following revelations of alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
He was arrested in January 2026 on charges of inciting to sedition filed by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), but later posted bail.
Teodoro stressed that if Poquiz and his group truly have evidence, they should submit affidavits and allow authorities to investigate.# (ZIA LUNA)
