Was PMA’s Honor Code violated?

My brother, Erwin, is “happy” over the impending investigation by the Department of Justice of journalists who supposedly received “payoffs in the form of advertising expenses.”

“Kuya (big brother), that amount (P245,535) was  paid to RMN (Radio Mindanao Network) under my name by the National Agri-Business Corp. (Nabcor) for radio commercials. I have papers to prove it,” said Erwin when I talked to him over the phone.

“I’m happy the DOJ will conduct an investigation because then I’ll be able to give my side and present papers,” he said.

Erwin once worked for radio dzXL of RMN and solicited commercials for his radio show.

* * *

I welcome criticisms from the public, even those calling me names, over reports of Erwin’s alleged journalistic indiscretions.

I am my brother’s keeper, ain’t I?

Being a hard-hitting columnist, I can also take what I dish out.

I am even flattered that people criticize me because it means they read me; otherwise, why should they give a hoot?

But I’d like to send this message to the anonymous blogger who said he would spit in my face when he sees me in public.

Please don’t! You might regret it.

It’s my constitutional right to defend myself.

* * *

The violation of the Philippine Military Academy’s Honor Code for cadets is misplaced in the case of First Class Cadet Aldrin Jeff Cudia.

Cudia allegedly lied when he said he was late for  class because he was made to stay behind by his instructor in a previous class.

The Code mandates a cadet not to steal, cheat or lie and also not to tolerate another cadet who steals, cheats or lies.

For the sake of argument, let’s say that Cadet Cudia lied: that it was he who remained in the previous class and not the instructor asking him to remain, as he claims.

By his lying—admitting for the sake of argument—did he do harm to his classmates?

When a cadet cheats in class, he takes advantage of his fellow cadets who studied hard.

When a cadet steals from a fellow cadet, he deprives the other fellow of his belongings.

Lying is secondary to cheating or stealing, which both harm others.

But Cudia neither cheated nor stole.

Now, how did Cudia harm his fellow cadets when he lied about the reason for his tardiness—if indeed, he did lie?

* * *

A Bureau of Customs employee, a woman, is a former PMA cadet.

She was dismissed for violating a provision of the Honor Code.

The woman allegedly stole personal belongings from fellow cadets.

As a customs employee, she’s like a fox being made to guard a chicken coop.