Reyes vow to continue predecessor's reforms

FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City — Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes vowed yesterday to continue working for benefits for the men and women in the military.

In an interview with reporters following the recognition of outstanding cadets of the Philippine Military Academy here, Reyes said he will continue with the good programs in the military’s pension fund Armed Forces Retirement and Separation Benefits System and the Veterans Affairs Office, which were initiated by his predecessor Orlando Mercado.

"Any good program is worth continuing," said the newly retired Armed Forces chief who had worked with Mercado in the implementation of the reforms.

However, he did not agree with his predecessor’s view that defense secretaries should only come from the civilian ranks.

"I don’t think we should say that. We should not stereotype people," Reyes said.

Mercado earlier said civilians make the best defense secretaries because "they do not have service loyalties." But he later conceded that Reyes is "just about the best non-civilian to be appointed to the position."

Reyes also vowed to take proper action to prevent violence in PMA rituals, which only two weeks ago claimed the life of fourth class cadet Edward Domingo.

In his address to the "Kaakibat" Class of 2001 and its outstanding graduates, the defense chief said he would continue supporting the PMA, which he described as "the fountainhead of future leaders of the Armed Forces of the Philippines."

"We do not honor these individuals for what they received but for what they have given. From the very start, they resolved to give their best and so, this morning, they have come out on top. But education and training does not end today. Learning and education is a never-ending process," he said.

Witnessing the award rites were PMA superintendent Maj. Gen. Manuel Carranza, Army chief Lt. Gen. Jaime de los Santos, Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Benjamin Defensor and Navy chief Rear Adm. Victorino Hingco.

Class valedictorian Cadet Sadiri Rabaja Tabutol garnered a total of 10 awards, eight of which were awarded yesterday. This included the Zobel Award granted by the Ayala Foundation which recognizes the totality of a cadet’s development in academics, athletics, conduct, leadership and extra-curricular activities.

The award entitles Tabutol to a masteral education in any Philippine school within five years after the PMA graduation rites set for today.

The valedictorian also received the Weapon Systems Plaque for topping allied courses leading to the study of weapons systems, Engineering Sciences Plaque, Mathematics Plaque, Natural Sciences Plaque, Humanities Plaque and Social Science Plaque.

Other awardees included Class 2001 No. 2 Cadet Ryan Villar (Computing and Information Sciences Plaque and the Army Professional Courses Plaque), No. 3 Cadet Harold Dave Pre (Military Science Course Award, Navy Professional Courses Plaque), No. 4 Cadet Rene Sevilla (Air Force Professional Courses Plaque) and No. 6 Cadet Ariel Nicomedes (Leadership Plaque).