Help ensure clean, credible polls, PNPA grads told

SILANG, Cavite, Philippines – President Aquino yesterday called on 215 new graduates of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) here to do their share and duty to society by helping keep the May 9 elections clean and credible.

“This coming May, your marching orders would be to ensure the conduct of the elections would be peaceful and orderly, ensuring the wishes of our bosses would be reflected,” Aquino told the new graduates.

Aquino, however, stopped short of mentioning administration presidential candidate Manuel Roxas II as opposition candidate Vice President Jejomar Binay shared the stage with him during the ceremony.

“I am confident that you have been trained by the PNPA to walk the straight path. Follow the orders of your superiors and remember that you are not alone in the fight to maintain peace and order,” Aquino told the graduates in Filipino.

Aquino also advised the new PNPA graduates – who will all carry the rank of inspector – against taking money from politicians in exchange for their votes.

“And what would be in exchange if you receive money from them? Would you sell your honor and dignity for a sum? For a possible promotion? If you were made to choose between yourself and the country, what would you do?” he asked the graduates.

Fire Inspector Felipe Alicando, the top graduate of PNPA Class 2016, said he and his classmates would practice the good principles they learned during their four-year stay in the academy.

“Do not be tempted by money and corruption. We should uphold our principles and stay in the path of truth and justice,” Alicando said in Filipino during his valedictory speech.

“What can we do as the new servants of the people?” he asked.

He gave assurance that the graduates of “Masundayaw” Class of 2016 will serve the people, the true bosses, with all their heart, voluntarily, and are even willing to offer their lives in the name of public service.

“We assure you that  the money of the people used in our education will not be put to waste and instead we will be an instrument of progress and peace for our beloved country,” Alicando said.

Alicando received the prestigious Presidential Kampilan Award and a plaque of merit for topping his class. He hails from Dulag, Leyte and is a son of retired teachers.

Graduating second is Police Cadet Norman Cabangen Pentang from Itogon, Benguet who will receive the Vice Presidential Kampilan Award and a plaque of merit.

Placing third and to get the Kamilan Award from the Department of the Interior and Local Government and plaque of merit is Police Cadet Aldrin Sacayle Bagayao of Tabuk City, Kalinga.

The graduates received a degree of Bachelor of Science in Public Safety and will enter as inspectors in their respective public safety bureaus.

After the ceremony, Aquino and Binay were civil with each other and shook hands.

Aquino hardly looked at Binay’s side, except when the Vice President offered him a piece of candy.

Aquino, however, handed the candy over to his aide. – With Cecille Suerte Felipe, Artemio Dumlao