'Cadet morale is strong despite corruption raps'

FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City, Philippines – An official of the Philippine Military Academy claimed yesterday that the morale of the cadets is getting stronger despite reports of alleged corruption committed by senior military officers.

“I think the issue of corruption has made them more prepared in facing the challenges outside the PMA,” said PMA superintendent Vice Admiral Leonardo Calderon.

Calderon said the cadet corps has become more aware of the outside world.

Calderon said all PMA graduates, even the active and retired military officers implicated in controversies, are welcome to attend the 112th PMA alumni homecoming.

Captain Lynette Flores, PMA spokesperson, said the academy expects 2,000 alumni and their families to attend the homecoming to renew old ties and bond with their classmates.

Flores said PMA cadets have access to all information and the media that’s why they are not shielded from the realities outside the academy.

There is still no report if controversial Sen. Panfilo Lacson, a member of PMA Class 1971, would attend the homecoming, but former rebel soldiers Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim and Marine Col. Ariel Querubin are expected to join their classmates in the celebration.

Sen. Antonio Trillanes is also expected to attend his first PMA homecoming after his release from detention after he was granted amnesty for his participation in the so-called Oakwood mutiny in Makati in 2003.