PMA Class ’90 explains ‘adoption’ of Jimenez

The officers of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1990 defended yesterday their decision to adopt presidential friend Mark Jimenez as an honorary member of their class.

According to PMA 1990’s Bigkis Lahi class president Leo Guinid, an Army captain, Jimenez’s appointment was not due to any form of political pressure.

"The PMA 1990 adopted Mark Jimenez because of his noble vision presented to the class," Guinid said in a prepared class statement sent to The STAR.

Certain members of PMA Class ’90 belonging to the Philippine National Police (PNP) allegedly questioned Jimenez’s "adoption."

Reacting to a Star report that Jimenez’s appointment came with a P2-million donation to a class fund-raising project, Guinid emphasized that the amount was intended to benefit charitable institutions.

"This is a good project. In fairness (to) Mark Jimenez, his intention is good," the class said. "This should be an internal matter among us," another class member said.

Jimenez, formerly Presidential Adviser for Latin Affairs, was formally inducted as honorary member of Class 1990 last Sunday night during ceremonies at the Hotel Intercon.

The affair coincided with the launching of a class project, "Drawing the Lines of Peace: A Christmas Carnival," scheduled this December.

Jimenez, according to members who attended the affair, was grateful to the PMA class for choosing him as honorary member.

Meanwhile the Department of Foreign Affairs is awaiting for Jimenez to apply for a new passport as his last passport has already been canceled.

"What happened was we canceled all his passports and all he has to do now is to apply for a new one," Belen Anota, DFA Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs said in an interview in Davao City.

Anota said there is nothing that could prevent Jimenez from applying for a new passport.

"As long as he complies with the requirements for the issuance of passports, we will issue him a new one," she further said. - with Edith Regalado