THE Philippine Military Academy (PMA) clarified on Wednesday, August 15, that the budget for the cadets remains intact and that the official dismissed for malversation of such funds was removed from the post in December 2012 yet.
“The cadets have enough funds for their training. As to the exact figure, I still need to look for the data,” said PMA information chief Major Chamberlain Esmino.
A budget of P2 million is allotted per PMA cadet to cover the cost of education and allowance for basic necessities.
Esmino issued the clarification after President Rodrigo Duterte announced on Tuesday the dismissal of Hector Maraña for purported malversation of cadet funds amounting to P15 million.
Earlier Wednesday, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Colonel Edgard Arevalo also clarified that Maraña had been restricted to the military camp since June 2015, when he was arraigned for charges of fraud against the government, conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman and conduct prejudicial to good order and military discipline.
After court martial proceedings, Maraña was found guilty of malversation in July.
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President Duterte signed and announced Marana’s dismissal order in front of businessmen during the launching of the Go Negosyo’s “Pilipinas Angat Lahat” program in Malacañang on Tuesday.
Esmino also clarified that Maraña was not a comptroller, but merely the custodian of the cadets’ allowances.
“He is also not and never been a comptroller but the fund custodian of the cadets personal allowance then,” Esmino added.
Maraña has been sentenced to imprisonment of six to 12 years.
His dismissal was announced a day after Malacañang announced that the President has fired at least 20 military officials over procurement anomalies at the AFP Medical Center, or V. Luna Medical Center.
The PMA, considered Asia’s premier military school, provides free college education to cadets who pass the rigid examinations and physical training. The cadets also receive monthly allowances. After graduating from the Academy, a cadet is guaranteed of a job as an officer in the Army, Navy or Air Force. (With a report from SunStar Philippines)