It's final: Dismissed cadet Cudia not graduating

MANILA, Philippines — Dismissed cadet Jeff Aldrin Cudia will not be among the March 16 graduates of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA).

Cudia was the class' deputy baron and was expected to deliver a speech as the batch salutatorian.

Major General Oscar Lopez said in a radio interview on Tuesday that Cudia "will be separated from service" after having allegedly violated the academy's Honor Code.

Lopez on Monday signed the decision, which prevents Cudia from acquiring his degree and other distinctions.

Major Gen. Domingo Tutaan, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman, said that the PMA Cadet Review and Appeals Board did not find violations in the earlier decision of the Honor Committee to dismiss Cudia.

Cudia was accused of having lied about his reason for tardiness in class. After Cudia appealed his case, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista ordered a reinvestigation of the incident.

"AFP has already endorsed this with the same recommendation to the Office of the President through the office of the Secretary of National Defense," Tutaan said in a state news report.

The cadet, however, failed to submit a formal appeal for a new probe even as he was granted an extension.

The final status of Cudia, currently discharged and on indefinite leave, will rely on President Benigno Aquino III's decision.

Read: Cadet Cudia fails to appeal, defers graduation

Graduating top of the academy's Siklab Diwa Class 2014 is Cadet 1st Class Jheorge Llona from Albay province.

Llona will also receive several awards such as the Presidential Saber, Philippine Air Force Saber and Australian Defense Best Overall Performance Award in the commencement exercises on Sunday.

The class' achiever is sixth in a brood of seven, born to farmers in Barangay Anislag, 20 kilometers from the city. He will be joining the Philippine Air Force.

Replacing Cudia as salutatorian is Cadet 1st Class Liza Jumawid Dango from Cagayan de Oro City, who will join the Philippine Army following graduation.

Dango is the only female among the top 10 finishers this year.