Cudia seeks Garcia’s help to get diploma

CEBU, Philippines - Dismissed Philippine Military Academy cadet Aldrin Jeff Cudia is exhausting all possible means to get his diploma despite not being allowed to graduate after he was found guilty of dishonesty by the Honor Committee. 

This time, Cudia turns to lawmakers for help. One of the lawmakers he approached to seek help was Rep. Gwen Garcia of the third district of Cebu.

Cudia, in a visit to Garcia’s office in Congress, was accompanied by Public Attorney’s Office chief, Persida Reuda Acosta, together with his family.

Acosta submitted to Garcia copies of the documents that they will use in order to compel the PMA to release the diploma of Cudia.

Acosta revealed that they have the testimony of the PMA professor who asked Cudia to stay longer in class to wait for his grade, thus disallowing the cadet to arrive on time for his next class subject.

Renato Cudia, father of Jeff, said they seek the help of Garcia not for the reinstatement of his son to the PMA but for the release of his diploma so that he can look for work as a civilian individual.

“We are not against the Honor Code. We are against the unjust process of the Honor Committee. We are begging for your help,” said Renato, who is also a former soldier.

Cudia’s official records from the PMA show he is currently on “indefinite leave,” Acosta said.

Garcia assured the family, especially the dismissed PMA cadet of her strong support in their fight towards justice.

She said that no one is above the law and PMA Cadet Cudia must have the equal rights duly accorded to him by the law.

Garcia is willing to support any House Resolution urging the PMA to release the diploma of Cudia in order for him to start a new and move on from this disturbing incident.

“I admire the strength and solidity of Congresswoman Garcia who was also a victim of injustice,” Jeff said.

He is apparently referring to the six months suspension imposed by Malacañang on December 2012 against then Cebu governor Garcia for grave abuse of authority in connection with the administrative charges filed by the late vice governor Gregorio Sanchez Jr. in 2010.

Cudia failed to graduate from the PMA after losing his appeal to the powerful PMA committee.  (FREEMAN)