Saturday, March 15, 2008 PMA chief says military should stay away from politics By Rimaliza Opiña
WITH controversies hounding the military, especially on issues involving the country's political affairs, the superintendent of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) said now is the time to stay away from politics and focus instead on protecting the interest of the state.
PMA Superintendent Leopoldo Maligalig made the declaration during the presentation of the top 10 graduates of class 2008.
Maligalig said there is also a need to revisit Article 2, Section 3 of the Constitution. In the two people power uprisings, the phrase "protector of the people" was literally interpreted to mean that those military should also join in uprising.
Quoting constitutionalist Joaquin Bernas, who was the speaker during the PMA's leadership symposium December last year, Maligalig said so much has changed since the first uprising in 1986 that liberties curtailed during Martial law is now enjoyed by majority of the population.
"That clause in the Constitution needs to be revisited. Some graduates misinterpreted this and they go to Oakwood," Maligalig said referring to the failed uprising in Makati City by PMA alumni, now Senator Antonio Trillanes IV.
And with current political situation where some sectors have called on the military to take on a position on the matter, Maligalig said: "Never again. Let politicians solve politics."
Within PMA, the protection clause has been painstakingly explained to the cadets. "Our being the protector of the people does not mean that we rally to the streets," he said.
