Noy: Uphold the honor code

FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City , Philippines – President Aquino yesterday called on the new graduates of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) to uphold the Honor Code and to shun temptations of wealth and power once they enter the service.

Speaking at the graduation of the PMA “Siklab Diwa” Class of 2014, Aquino said the new military officers should not tolerate anywrongdoing against fellow citizens and the country.

“This is the challenge to all of us: If it’s our duty to uphold the Honor Code inside this institution, let us also stand for it outside the PMA. If it is prohibited to lie to a classmate or to fellow cadets, we should not let anyone, soldier or ordinary citizen, cheat and deceive others and the Constitution,” Aquino said in Filipino.

“If we strictly reject cheating during tests, shrewdness in the procurement of arms and equipment should also be avoided. If there is punishment for stealing things in school, you should also help in making those who are stealing hard-earned public funds accountable,” he added.

Aquino said the new officers would face instances that would put their ideals to the test.

“Your principles will be tested by the shrewd. You will be tempted with wealth and power,” the President said. “More than any wealth or power, our bosses look up to our responsibility and integrity.”

Aquino is optimistic that the 222 members of the “Siklab Diwa” Class of 2014 would live up to the PMA ideals of courage, integrity and loyalty.

He also called on the newly commissioned officers to raise the level of service and integrity of the military.

“In every transaction you enter as leaders, I hope that you won’t succumb to temptations to your principles. In times of chaos or great disaster, I know you will serve as a foundation of the strength and resilience of the Filipino people,” he said.

PMA ideals

In his valedictory address, PMA class 2014 topnotcher Jheorge Llona vowed to follow the straight path and to apply the ideals he learned at the academy.

“Graduation marks the start of our treading of the straight path toward becoming an effective official, gaining a new view of life and a new hope for the future,” Llona said.

“We should put to heart the ideals of our academy – courage, integrity and loyalty, which were fortified by our Honor Code and the education that we get from it,” he added.

Llona also urged his classmates to promote human rights and to work toward gaining the public’s trust.

The PMA Honor Code became the subject of news reports after a member of the graduating class, Cadet First Class Aldrin Jeff Cudia, was dismissed for supposedly violating it. – With Artemio Dumlao