Retired general: Close PMA if honor system is destroyed

MANILA, Philippines - A member of the first post-war class of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) on Thursday called on the public to avoid tampering the honor system and urged embattled cadet Aldrin Jeff Cudia to resign.

Retired Brig. Gen. Jesus Dizon, a graduate of PMA class ’51, said he was disturbed and hurt by the continued bashing of the academy because of the Honor Committee’s recommendation to dismiss Cudia.

“May I appeal to the entire Filipino people to remember that the Philippine Military Academy is your institution. It is the primary source of professional military leaders who are sworn to lead and sacrifice their lives, if need be, to protect our country and people against all threats,” Dizon said in a statement.

“Please strengthen, not weaken or destroy its internal systems and the institution itself. Please don’t tamper with its Honor System. It is on this aspect that the PMA differentiates itself from other learning institutions," he added. 

Dizon said “the PMA might as well be closed” if the honor system is destroyed.

The retired general made the comments amid calls by some sectors to review the PMA Honor Code, a time-honored military tradition that reminds cadets to shun cheating, stealing, lying or tolerating any of them.

Last February, an Honor Committee composed of PMA cadets recommended Cudia’s dismissal for entering a class two minutes late and lying to justify it.

Cudia asked the PMA administration to reverse his dismissal, saying the committee had committed "grave abuse of discretion." The PMA Cadet Review and Appeals Board decided to uphold the committee’s decision.

Last week, Cudia’s family urged President Aquino to allow him to join the March 16 graduation rites. Aquino did not allow Cudia to march, but directed the military to reinvestigate his case.

Dizon noted that a new cadet is given an extensive orientation on the Cadet Honor System upon his arrival at the PMA.

“It is understood that he (new cadet) agrees to the conditions including all rules and regulations of the PMA; otherwise he should resign,” he said.

Dizon said it would not be the end of the world for Cudia if he resigns.

“He (Cudia) has an alternate and honorable path to success if he wants to continue in the military service. He could apply for commission in the Reserve Force and if accepted, he could request that he be called to active duty,” the retired general said.

“In all probability, as could be the policy applied to his classmates in the PMA, Mr. Cudia will be assigned to combat duty. He could then show his worth. His superiors will not be blind to note his outstanding performance and would just be too glad to recommend him for commission in the Regular Force.”

Dizon said Cudia could be adopted by his former class, PMA class 2014, if he performs well.

“The adverse reaction of many sectors outside the PMA is understandable. They would tend to sympathize with Mr. Cudia, but in the process, discredit if not destroy the institution,” he added.

Dizon said that Cudia could win his case in a court of justice but would likely be ostracized by the entire PMA alumni on active military duty.

“Even a ‘man of steel’ could not last in this environment of rejection,” Dizon said.