PMA homecoming parade off limits to adopted politicians

AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Adopted members of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), who are running for public office, are barred to join the upcoming annual homecoming parade on Saturday, February 16.

“Unang-una sa parada, hindi pwedeng mag-participate sa pass and review ‘yung mga hindi alumni. So ‘yung mga alumni, grads ng PMA, iyon lang ang pwede bumaba para sumali sa pass and review,” PMA Alumni Association, Inc. President Jaime delos Santos told reporters on Tuesday at Camp Aguinaldo.

While they are restricted to join the parade, the honorary members who wish to join the annual event will be given their own seats in the grandstand.

Some of the PMA adopted members who are running in the midterm elections are former Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, Maharlika Class of 1984; Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Hinirang Class of 1987; Senator Grace Poe, Sambisig Class of 1991; and former Senator and Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano and former Special Assistant to the President Bong Go, Tanglaw-Diwa Class of 1992.

Known PMA graduates who are running for public office are former Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, of Sinagtala Class of 1986; and Magdalo Partylist Rep. Gary Alejano, Marilag Class of 1995.

Those PMA alumni may join the parade but they are discouraged from politicking.

“We have already advised them through their class presidents, they can go there as alumni but they cannot perform any activity that is political in nature, much more ‘pag sila ay nagkakamapanya and we trust our alumni kasi alam nila ang mga responsibilidad nila,” Delos Santos said.

The annual homecoming will be held on Saturday at PMA in Baguio City with Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu as guest of honor. This year’s host is the PMA Class of 1969.

The official 90-day campaign period for senatorial candidates in the May 13, 2019 elections started Tuesday, February 12. /kga