Noy orders AFP to complete report on Cudia dismissal

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino has found the military’s report on the case of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cadet Jeff Aldrin Cudia incomplete.

Returning the report, he gave Armed Forces chief Gen. Emmanuel Bautista another week to complete the investigation.

Speaking to reporters yesterday, Aquino said the initial report failed to touch on issues that he wanted discussed thoroughly, but he did not specify the issues he found incomplete.

“I read the initial report,” he said. “But I returned it to them (AFP) and told them: Give it to me in a whole week’s time. There were points that were not discussed in the initial investigation report.”

In an interview at the 35th commencement exercises of the Philippine National Police Academy in Silang, Cavite, Aquino said he made it clear to the military leadership that he needs a roadmap for reforms in the PMA to be laid out in a more detailed manner.

“I reiterated to General Bautista that these points – those that cropped up during our interview with Cadet Cudia, and others including the PMA hierarchy – should help put order in the (PMA) system,” he said. 

Cudia told: Move on

Meanwhile, a lawmaker advised Cudia yesterday to “pray and move on” so he can start anew in civilian life.

Accompanied by his parents Renato and Filipina, and Chief Public Attorney Persida Acosta, Cudia visited Representatives Rodel Batocabe of Ako Bicol and Gustavo Tambunting of Parañaque in their offices to seek support for his cause that he be allowed to graduate.

He has filed a petition before the Supreme Court to compel the PMA to let him graduate.

Tambunting said: “He presented the Supreme Court petition to me. I told his parents that I feel for them as I am a parent too. I advised him to pray and move on.” 

Batocabe said Congress must pass a law to help an expelled PMA cadet start a new life by having all school records that could be used for educational and employment purposes immediately released.

“My view is that if the PMA cannot accept as their alumni someone they’ve expelled, they give that person his diploma or certification of completion of academic requirements,“ he said. “They can move on to a new phase in life. They can enter graduate studies, law school, or work in the government or private sector.”   – With Paolo Romero