Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, (left) listens to army chief Lieutenant General Romeo Brawner Jr (second right) during the 126th founding anniversary of the Philippine army at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig city, suburban Manila on March 22, 2023. (PHOTO / AFP)

MANILA – The Philippines' National Security Adviser on Saturday rejected talk of a plot to destabilize the government of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, saying the military and entire security sector were loyal to the commander-in-chief.

"Yes, there were healthy and passionate exchanges (and) debates among some retired or former military officers and even some criticism against certain policies of the current administration, but they are within the bounds of our democratic space," National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said.

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"There is no destabilization plot (and) movement against the government," he said in a statement.

The security sector shall remain vigilant and ready to take immediate action against any sinister group that will undermine our national security.

Eduardo Año, National Security Adviser, Philippines

Año's remarks came after Philippine military chief Romeo Brawner was quoted in the media as telling troops on Friday that he had heard of "destabilization efforts", with some military officers saying "the president should be replaced for many reasons" and "there should be another coup d'etat".

Año said Brawner was "misquoted or misinterpreted" by the media.

"The security sector shall remain vigilant and ready to take immediate action against any sinister group that will undermine our national security," Ano said.

Marcos, the son and namesake of the late Philippines strongman deposed in a 1986 "people power" uprising, won office in a landslide in last year's presidential elections.

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In this June 15, 2023 file photo, Philippine National Security Adviser Eduardo Año arrives to meet Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the prime minister's office in Tokyo, Japan. (PHOTO / REUTERS)

However, he has suffered a "significant" drop in his approval rating, based on an opinion poll in September, as soaring consumer prices in the Philippines undermined his support.

There was no immediate comment from Marcos' office.

The Philippines has seen more than a dozen coup attempts since the overthrow of President Ferdinand Marcos in 1986.