'No politics in GMA farewell call on troops'

MANILA, Philippines - There is no political motive behind the farewell visits being made by President Arroyo to various military camps in the country, a Palace official said yesterday.

Deputy presidential spokesman Gary Olivar said Mrs. Arroyo is also likely to make farewell calls on various Philippine National Police (PNP) offices in the country.

“The farewells are a personal gesture of appreciation by the outgoing commander-in-chief to her troops in recognition of their service to the country,” Olivar said.

“Only the mean-spirited would try to read anything else into it. I hope these efforts would not be given malice by critics of the President.”

Press Secretary Crispulo Icban Jr. said Mrs. Arroyo often makes unscheduled visits to military and police camps during her sorties when these are near her official destinations.

Last year, the President thanked the Armed Forces and the PNP for maintaining stability in the country when confronted with repeated attempts to overthrow the government, as well as continued attacks by communist insurgents and extremists.

Coming for the occasion

In a related development, over a thousand alumni of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in Baguio City are expected to attend the homecoming on Feb. 20, among them adopted “mistahs,” or classmates running in the May elections.

Capt. Agnes Lynette Flores of the PMA public information office said the academy maintains its policy against active politicking.

“No politicking as always... Our politician guests have always respected the institution and the solemnity of (PMA) ceremonies,” she said.

“(The alumni) come for the reason of the occasion and not for their personal concerns,” she added.

Previous guests

In the last PMA alumni homecoming, Sen. Manuel Roxas II, who then announced his intention to run for president, and Sen. Loren Legarda who had announced her plan to run for vice president, attended the ceremonies.

Roxas, an adopted member of class of 1984, and Legarda of class 1976, marched with their classmates during the parade at Borromeo field.

Nacionalista Party standard-bearer Manuel Villar, an honorary member of class 1979, did not attend last year’s homecoming but his tarpaulins were hung all over the city.

The homecoming festivities start on Feb. 18 and culminate on the Feb. 20.

Celebrating their golden anniversary this year are the 48-strong class of 1960. Marking their silver anniversary, on the other hand, are the 195 members of the Sandiwa Class of 1985. – With Artemio Dumlao