‘No politics at PMA alumni homecoming’

MANILA, Philippines - Politicking will not be allowed during the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) alumni homecoming on Saturday.

Politicians, either former soldiers or adopted members of classes, are expected to attend the event.

Capt. Lynette Flores, PMA spokesperson, said the activity aims to let the alumni reminisce their days in the academy and should not be tainted with politics.

“We hope the alumni homecoming will be treated as a celebration, a time to gather together and renew (their ties). It should not be filled with political color,” she said. “We discourage the conduct of campaign activities during the alumni homecoming.”

Flores said the alumni are aware of the provisions against politicking inside the PMA.

“There will be tarpaulins with greetings and welcome messages to the classes but that will be all,” she said.

“As much as possible, the posts should have no political color. We want to maintain a military institution that is apolitical.”

Vice President Jejomar Binay, an adopted member of PMA class ’88, is expected to deliver the keynote address during the alumni homecoming.

Businessman Eduardo Cojuangco Jr., leader of the Nationalist People’s Coalition, is also expected to attend the event.

Other political figures who are adopted members of PMA classes are Sen. Francis Escudero (class ’87); Sen. Loren Legarda (class ’69); San Juan Rep. JV Ejercito (class ’88); Margarita Conjuangco (class ’83); and Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II (class ’84).

The sisters of President Aquino are honorary members of class ’80. The President had declined being adopted by any class.