SC orders PMA to explain Cudia dismissal

MANILA, Philippines - The Supreme Court (SC) has ordered the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to explain the dismissal of Cadet Aldrin Jeff Cudia.

In a resolution, the third division of the high court ordered the PMA and the AFP to answer Cudia’s petition questioning the legality of his dismissal due to violation of the academy’s Honor Code after he allegedly lied about why he reported late by two minutes for a class.

The SC directed respondents to submit a comment within 10 days but did not grant the immediate relief sought by Cudia.

The court explained it could no longer rule on Cudia’s prayer for issuance of a temporary restraining order (TRO) since the graduation was already held.

The PMA clarified that even if the dismissal is reconsidered, Cudia had not completed all requirements needed for graduation.

The PMA Honor Committee, composed of fellow cadets, found Cudia guilty of lying about the reason why he was late for class.

In a petition for certiorari, prohibition and mandamus filed last week, Cudia asked the high court to void PMA’s decision to dismiss him.

He asked the SC to order his inclusion in the list of graduating cadets and give him the honors and awards he should have received.

Cudia also asked the SC to commission him as a new ensign of the Philippine Navy “if all the material requirements for his baccalaureate degree have been completed in time for 16 March 2014 commencement exercises.”

Cudia also wanted the SC to restrain the cadets from ostracizing him.

A member of the first-post war class of PMA graduates, however, called on Cudia to just resign and honor the decision of the academy to dismiss him for violating the honor code.

Retired general 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. – With Alexis Romero