'PNoy can't pardon PMA Honor Code violators'

MANILA, Philippines - A lawmaker who graduated from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) believes that President Benigno Aquino III cannot grant pardon to all soldiers and cadets who committed wrongdoing.

Magdalo Party-list Rep. Ashley Acedillo said the President can only grant pardon to those with offenses that meted demerits and punishment tours.

"Unfortunately, there is no pardon for Honor (Code) violation. That is the sad part," Acedillo said in a phone-patch interview on ANC on Friday afternoon.

Acedillo said was reacting to the case of Aldrin Jeff Cudia, the graduating cadet who was dismissed by the PMA for supposedly violating the school's Honor Code when he lied about why he was late for a class.

The Honor Code states that cadets don’t lie, don’t cheat and don’t steal or tolerate the same.

After the dismissal was reviewed, the Armed Forces of the Philippines upheld the PMA's decision, but left the final say to Aquino, the military's commander-in-chief.

The lawmaker believes that if the PMA's decision is overturned, Cudia may still not join the graduation rites on Sunday, which will be attended by the President.

He pointed out that Cudia failed to complete training requirements since he was staying at PMA holding center due to his supposed wrongdoing.

"So, ang best case scenario para sa kanya, assuming that all of these are overturned, is he would have to join the next class and that is the class of 2015," the lawmaker said.

Acedillo, one of the Magdalo soldiers behind the 2003 Oakwood mutiny, said Cudia should just respect and honor the decision of the PMA.

He stressed that the moment a cadet like Cudia enters the institution, he binds himself to the Honor Code. - Louis Bacani