Aquino presents diplomas, awards to PMA cadets

Aquino shuns riding ceremonial vehicle, approaches troops on foot, receives applause. KRISTINE SABILLO/INQUIRER.net

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III on Sunday presented the graduating cadets of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) with their diplomas and awards at Fort Gregorio Del Pilar in this city.

The announcement of cadets’ graduation was met with cheers and applause from relatives and guests.

Aquino gave the Presidential Saber award to class valedictorian Cadet First Class Jheorge Llona, who also received the Philippine Air Force Saber from Lt Gen Lauro Catalino Dela Cruz, commanding general of the Philippine Air Force.

The Vice Presidential Saber was given to Cadet First Class Liza Dango by Vice President Jejomar Binay while the Secretary of National Defense Saber was received by Cadet First Class Billy Codiam from Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin. The Chief of Staff Saber went to Cadet First Class Clint Achilles Ramos.

Dango also received the Philippine Army Saber. Meanwhile, Cadet First Class Noel Raguindin was presented with the Philippine Navy Saber.

A Distinguished Cadet Award was given to both Cadet First Class Emmuel John Perez and Cadet First Class Raymond Quion by PMA superintendent Maj. General Oscar Lopez.

As of posting time, the PMA commencement program was still ongoing.

Class Siklab Diwa made headlines in the past weeks because of the controversial dismissal of Cadet First Class Aldrin Jeff Cudia. Cudia was accused of violating the PMA’s honor code by lying about being late in class.

While the honor committee found him guilty of the violation, his sister Avee’s post on social media about his alleged unfair dismissal snowballed into a campaign for his reinstatement.

However, on Saturday, Gazmin announced that Cudia will not be able to join his batchmates. He said the President instead deferred the decision on his case and assigned General Emmanuel Bautista, chief-of-staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, to investigate the matter.

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