PMA pioneering class grad says no to abolition

FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City, Philippines – A graduate of the pioneering class of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) is saddened by corruption issues in the military but still believes that there are many heroes within the institution.

Col. Rey Bocalbos, a member of the PMA’s class of 1940, said the other day that despite accusations of anomalies in the Armed Forces, there are many soldiers who continue to work for the good of the country.

“(I feel) very bad (about the stories) but you know, the only consolation is that no one man can normally destroy the reputation of the whole thing. There are still hundreds of heroes and you know, good people,” Bocalbos said in a chance interview.

The 92-year-old cavalier also opposed calls to abolish the PMA, saying that one person’s wrongdoing cannot destroy the institution.

“It’s a normal reaction. You know, they just don’t understand. In any group, there’s always somebody that can destroy it but, it doesn’t. You do not destroy the institution because of one man or two men,” Bocalbos said.

Bocalbos was the oldest cavalier who attended last Saturday’s PMA alumni homecoming here. The Tabaco, Albay native was the only one who represented their class, which now has only two surviving members.

Wearing a dark blue hat and dressed in a navy blue polo inside a black coat, Bocalbos marched with younger cavaliers on the grounds of the academy that provided him education seven decades ago.

Bocalbos was noticeably eloquent and was more than willing to entertain questions from reporters. The retired Army colonel did not wear eyeglasses and managed to walk without the help of a cane or his family members.

Class ’40 was the first batch to complete four years of training as cadets. Two of its graduates, Quirico Evangelista and Reynaldo Mendoza, are the composers of the PMA alma mater song “PMA Oh Hail to Thee.”

Bocalbos, a World War II veteran, claimed there were no accusations of irregularities during his time.

“Fortunately, it never happened before. That’s why now we are taking moves to, you know, reform (the institution),” he said.

Bocalbos, however, cited the need to examine the background of those who are making accusations.

“I don’t mind the criticisms… Those who criticize, examine their background,” he said.

Bocalbos said authorities can deal with corruption by investigating not just the key military officials but also the low-ranking personnel.

“I whisper to the higher ups, you know, you’ve got to go down to see everything, The irregularities, it’s not just in the upstairs, it’s also happening downstairs,” he said.

The military’s financial system was placed under scrutiny after retired Lt. Col. George Rabusa revealed that former military chiefs were given millions in “pabaon” or sendoff money upon retirement.

Rabusa, a graduate of class ’81, said some funds had to be diverted to ensure the availability of the “pabaon.”

Even before Rabusa made the claims, some PMA graduates have been tagged in issues involving the alleged misuse of military funds.

Former military comptroller Carlos Garcia has been accused of stealing more than P300 million from state funds.

On the other hand, class ’70 graduate Jacinto Ligot has been criticized for claiming that he is not aware of the houses reportedly bought by his wife in the US.