Cadet Cudia fails to appeal, defers graduation

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cadet Jeff Aldrin Cudia has not yet submitted his formal appeal against his dismissal from the school.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said in a radio interview Monday that Cudia's appeal is still pending and the delay may prevent him from graduating in on March 16.

AFP Chief Emmanuel Bautista has ordered a reinvesigation on Cudia's dismissal. He was recommended to be dismissed after he entered a class two minutes late and allegedly lied about the reason.

To aid in the fresh probe, Cudia was asked to submit the formal appeal last February 24 but failed to do so.

Related: PMA: Dismissed cadet violated Honor Code

He then submitted a handwritten request to the AFP for the appeal deadline be extended until March 4, a postponement readily granted by the investigating body.

However, Cudia neither completed the document as of posting time. Cudia is the second ranking student in his batch and was voted deputy baron.

Cudia's case drew attention on social media after his sister wrote about the incident in a Facebook post last February.

Lying is considered a violation of the academy's strict Honor Code, which penalizes cadets with suspension or automatic dismissal.