PRRD pardons cadets facing minor punishments

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte waves to the graduates of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) ‘Mabalasik’ Class of 2019 during the commencement exercises at Fort General Gregorio Del Pilar in Baguio City on May 26, 2019. ACE MORANDANTE/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City— President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday issued an order giving pardon to cadets who are facing punishments.

“I therefore say, I Rodrigo Roa Duterte, President of the Republic of the Philippines and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines hereby pardon all outstanding punishments for the underclassmen — 2CL (second class), 3CL and 4CL of the Cadet Corps Armed Forces of the Philippines (CCAFP) as recommended by the Superintendent effective today, May 26,” the President said in his speech during the graduation ceremony of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Mabalasik Class of 2019.

The order will include all those facing punishments for violation of less grave offenses.

He, however, mentioned that they have yet to check the record as to how many cadets are benefitting from the order.

Maj. Reynan Afan, PMA Information Officer, told Philippine News Agency (PNA) that a pardon is a president’s prerogative as commander in chief, and is not mandatory.

Afan said, under normal circumstances, cadets are mandated to follow several regulations during their stay inside the academy.

“There are rules and regulations which the cadets have to comply with starting from the time they wake up at specific time in the morning and before sleeping,” he said, citing PMA’s book containing rules and regulations.

Afan added that cadets could be reported for not submitting their assignments on time or not coming to class on time, which offenses are in the cadets’ book, and considered less grave offenses.

“It is the cadets’ bible that defines how to live in the cadet corps from the moment they wake up until the moment they sleep there is always a regulation,” the officer said.

Afan said that the two cadets reported to have been delisted from the graduates’ list are not included in the pardon issued.

He clarified that the order specifically mentioned the 2nd, 3rd and 4th class cadets only.

Grave offenses are different matters and are not included in the pardon that the President issued.

“That is Honor Code, an entirely separate entity and is not included,” Afan said.

He said cadets commit violations on two bases — regulation and the honor system.

Prior to signing the order, the President said he “will pardon you this time because I need good and capable soldiers.”

Duterte was guest of honor and speaker during the graduation ceremonies on Sunday where 261 cadets were conferred the ranks of Second Lieutenant for those joining the Army and the Air Force and Ensign for those going to the Navy.