PMA mum on CHR ruling

FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City -- The Philippine Military Academy remains silent on the decision of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) over Cadet Jeff Aldrin Cudia.

The CHR in its formal ruling found Cudia not guilty of the offenses charged to him by the Academy and recommended he be issued a diploma.

A diploma from the academy will certify Cudia finished a Bachelor of Science degree from the Academy.

PMA information Chief Major Agnes Lynette Flores said the Academy has not received the formal decision of the CHR and cannot comment on the matter as of press time.

In its 30-page report on Cudia, CHR Chair Loretta Ann Rosales reprimanded the PMA in handling the case in the aspect of human rights and fundamental freedom.

Cudia was not allowed to graduate from PMA after the Honor Committee found him guilty of violating the honor code.

Cudia, of Arayat, Pampanga, was slated to join the Philippine Navy (PN) as top Navy cadet and was supposed to be part of the prestigious PMA Top Ten.

Despite the academic excellence of Cudia, the academy put the Honor code as its highest gauge of character is based on three basic offenses: lying, cheating, stealing and tolerating anyone who violates any of these.

The PMA Honor Board deliberated the fate of the cadet and finally decided to let him go.

During the PMA graduation, President Benigno Aquino III cited the honor code of the academy during his valedictory address for Siklabdiwa (Sundalong Ikararangal ng Lahing Bayani sa diwang Wagas) Class 2014 saying the code should be the basis of the life of every graduating cadet who will serve the government.

The CHR reminded the PMA is not above human rights law.

The CHR also recommended the filing of administrative, criminal (for perjury), and civil suits for violations of the Honor Code, dishonesty and violation of the secrecy of the ballot, tampering with the true result of the voting, intentional omission in the Minutes of substantive part of the formal trial proceedings which is prejudicial to the interest of justice, and discrimination, against officers and members of the Honor Committee, all of whom as now all second lieutenants, after graduating from the academy in March.

Flores said the PMA, after receiving the formal CHR decision will be issuing a statement on the matter.

Trending

No stories found.

Just in

No stories found.

Branded Content

No stories found.
SunStar Publishing Inc.
www.sunstar.com.ph