No cadet walkout, says PMA official

FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City — Contrary to reports, there was no walkout of cadets at the Philippine Military Academy supposedly in sympathy for Marine Maj. Gen. Francisco Gudani, who is facing court-martial for testifying on alleged poll fraud in the Senate.

"The reports of the walkout are not true," said Brig. Gen. Leopoldo Maligalig, PMA commandant for cadets.

The reports, including text messages, circulated last Thursday night and Friday morning, claiming that PMA cadets from all classes staged a walkout "by calling in sick for the day (and) failing to attend their classes."

"Whoever gave that statement should have verified it with us," said Maligalig, adding that nothing of that sort happened and that the cadets have been following their "normal routine."

The PMA was besieged with queries from both the media and the cadets’ parents on the supposed walkout, prompting Maligalig to issue an official statement.

"It is unfair for the cadets here who are busy with their classes," he said.

Maligalig said the cadets, who have rigid rules to comply with, are in the thick of preparations for the 2006 graduation.

Earlier, Lt. Gen. Cristolito Balaoing, PMA superintendent, told reporters that since the failed Oakwood mutiny, the academy has been put in a bad light, thus affecting its enrolment in 2004 and 2005.

Balaoing said the academy still adheres to the tenets of courage, loyalty and integrity, and that the shortcomings of some PMA alumni should not be blamed on the academy.

Maligalig denied that the cadets are being subjected to a news blackout. "They are fully aware of what is going on (in the country), but they are government scholars and they have their own priorities," he said.

Gudani was relieved from his post as PMA assistant superintendent after he testified before the Senate last Wednesday despite warnings not to do so.

Gudani’s classmates from PMA Class ’73, meanwhile, have pledged their support for President Arroyo.