POLICE GRADUATION President Aquino, flanked by Vice President Jejomar Binay and Interior Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento (right), at the PNPA graduation in Silang, Cavite. LYN RILLON
CAMP GEN. Mariano Castañeda—“Bayan o sarili (Country or self)?”
Echoing the words of Gen. Antonio Luna in a recent popular film, President Aquino urged the graduates of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) to always choose right over wrong and not exchange one’s dignity for bribes.
In his speech, the President said elections were always a time of temptation for those in uniform.
“For the uniformed service, this is a time of different temptations. I will reiterate the challenge I give each time I face graduates like you: If you will be handed an envelope in exchange for your dignity, will you allow yourselves to be bought? If you will be promised a promotion in exchange for keeping silent in the face of corruption and abuse, will you accept it? If you will be asked to choose, country or self, which will you put first?”
Then he added: “I trust you were molded well by the PNPA to always take the straight path… everyone will gain from what you do right, everyone will suffer if you do wrong. I hope it would not be difficult for you to choose right over wrong.”
Mr. Aquino then gave the graduates his marching orders: Help ensure safe and peaceful elections that will truly reflect the decision of the people.
The 253 graduates will take the rank of Inspector in the PNP, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
Also at the graduation rites was Vice President Jejomar Binay, who handed the Vice President Kampilan Award to class salutatorian, Police Cadet Norman Pentang.
For his part, class valedictorian Cadet 1st Class Felipe Alicando Jr. reminded his “mistahs” not to be blinded by money.
Alicando, who is joining the BFP, told his fellow graduates to always remember that the Filipino people were their bosses.
“Let us not be blinded and carried away by the temptation of corruption and money, instead let us live the life of a respectable official who stands on the side of justice and truth,” said the 24-year-old from Leyte.
Alicando topped the 253-strong Masundayaw Class of 2016, receiving the Presidential Kampilan Award from President Aquino.
A graduate of nursing before entering the PNPA, Alicando also received the Fire Kampilan Award, a plaque of merit for graduating first place, and a Best in Thesis award.