P-Noy to lead PMA rites

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino leads today’s graduation ceremonies of the 2012 “Bagwis” Class of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in Baguio City.

The President, who is also commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, will officially commission 187 first-class cadets of the PMA as second lieutenants and ensigns during graduation rites at the Borromeo Field.

Vice President Jejomar Binay will also take part in the ceremonies, particularly in the awarding of the vice presidential saber to class salutatorian. Binay is a reserve Marine colonel.

To receive the presidential saber and academic excellence award from Aquino is Cadet 1st Class Tom Puertollano, 21, of Lipa, Batangas.

Cadet Jose Mari Cabrera of Cebu City is class salutatorian.

Last month, the President skipped the annual homecoming of PMA alumni also in Baguio City and was criticized for being the first commander-in-chief to break the tradition of mixing and bonding with the “old and the young” officers and men in the military service.

Aquino instead to attend the inauguration of the 50-bed Aurora Memorial Hospital in Reserva, Baler, Aurora but stressed he would never miss the graduation rites of the PMA.

“The PMA graduation is a mandatory event for me,” he said. “ I have to administer the oath to the new graduates and commission them into the services so it is automatic that I have to go in March,” Aquino said earlier.

Had he attended the homecoming, Aquino said he would have been accused of courting the military establishment.

“And if I do not attend, I am also questioned as to why I am not attending,” he added.

Also in the top 10 aside from Puertollano and Cabrera were Lucien Jay Gumban Caima from Fort Bonifacio Taguig City; Angeline Osorio Esmeria, also from Taguig City; Jethro Olavidez from Zamboanga Sibugay; Aron Lessler Regimen from Tanawan City, Batangas; Dyan Karl Cabigas from Caloocan City; Fel Balambao Saguin from Zamboanga del Sur; Rone Jo Manganaan from Rosales, Pangasinan; and Christopher Juan from Tagum City, Davao del Norte.

Of the 187 graduates, 91 males and 11 females will join the Army, 41 males and seven females will join the Navy, and 36 males and one female will join the Air Force. – Aurea Calica, Jose Rodel Clapano