DAVAO CITY (May 27) –— President Rodrigo Duterte told the graduates of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) ‘Mabagsik Class’ to “Serve your country well. Die for your country if it needs be” as Vice President Leni Robredo, who was earlier accused of plotting his ouster looked on.
In his speech on Sunday at Fort Genera Gregorio del Pilar, Duterte emphasized “Remember the young Filipinos yet to come, the children and those who are now studying. Huwag mong kalimutan ‘yan.”
At some point of his speech Duterte looked at Robredo, but the later was unmindful.
The President wants the PMA graduates to “be good soldiers” who should “serve the Constitution, protect the people, secure our sovereignty, and preserve the integrity of our national territory,” especially at this time when “complex and irrational state and non-state actors may even pose danger to our country.”
“And if you think that the country is not run the way it is and if it will destroy your country, you should know what to do,” he said.
He advised the graduates to remain faithful to their mission, to be a good soldier serving the Constitution, and to protect the people. They must also secure the country’s sovereignty and preserve the integrity of its national territory.
“I urge you…always embody courage and loyalty as you pursue your noble careers in the military. Let these values be your beacon until your last taps are sung and your perpetual memory would be to see your country truly free,” he said.
Also, he expressed confidence that with the PMA Mabalasik Class behind him, he can effectively build the foundations of a better, safer, and more peaceful life for all Filipinos.
The PMA Mabalasik Class of 2019 is composed of 261 cadets, 188 male and 73 females. Dionne Mae Apolog Umalla, a female cadet, is the class valedictorian.
Below is part of Duterte’s speech:
“As your Commander-in-Chief, I lay down these vital points that I will ask you to instil within yourselves as [junior officers] of the AFP:
Be humble. Nothing beats humility. Always remember that the rank, authority, and trust of your subordinates and the people that you serve are borne out of respect for the office that you carry.
Be teachable. In all definitions of disciplines and endeavors, the way to success requires order and discipline.
Next, always be grateful. Honor your seniors, your officers, your professors, enlisted personnel and other civilians who have taught you, prayed for you, and believed in you.
Lastly, always look at each other’s backs. In the field, nobody wins alone. Where many old mindsets are fading fast and new ones are coming from the unprecedented sources.
Our security is not anymore just about arms and equipment. At this time, complex and irrational state and non-state actors may even pose danger to our country.
Given this reality, I ask you to always remain faithful to your mission: Be a good soldier who will serve the Constitution, protect the people, secure our sovereignty, and preserve the integrity of our national territory.
I urge you always embody courage and loyalty as you pursue your noble careers in the military. Let these values be your beacon until your last taps are sung and your perpetual memory would be to see your country truly free.
As you leave the halls of this great and noble institution that is the Philippine Military Academy, may you, young idealistic graduates, strengthen your dedication and lasting peace that will be enjoyed by the future generation — of generations.
With you behind me, I am confident that we can build the foundations of a better, safer, and more peaceful life for all Filipinos.
Maraming salamat po. [applause]
This is just a letter, a correspondence. But with it also is the warning that — you know a military man wears a uniform constrictively and even paggalaw ninyo. Pero ‘yung nagkasala ngayon I would like to read something for you.
When I’m no longer the President to all of those — meron kayo sa akin taon-taon. Bilib ako sa inyo. [cheers] Ikaw pati ako pareha ang swerte sa buhay, 75. Marami tayo hanging.
And I therefore say: I, Rodrigo Roa Duterte, President of the Republic of the Philippines and Commander-in-Chief Armed Forces of the Philippines… Ano bang kasalanan ninyo? [laughter] Okay lang — mga kasalanan ninyo okay lang.
Hereby pardon all outstanding punishments for the underclassmen 2CL, 3CL, and 4CL of the Cadet Corps Armed Forces of the Philippines as recommended by the Superintendent PMA effective today. Granted this 26th day of May in the year of the Lord 2019 at PMA Fort Gen. Gregorio del Pilar barangay — ah barangay — Baguio City. [laughter and applause]
Pirmahan ko na? [laughter] Eh… God… Sino ang nagkasala? Taas kamay. [laughter] Ah hindi ako pipirma nito. [laughter] You have to be… Show to me your face. Who are to be pardoned? [laughter]
Pari ring pulis ha. Natuto na kayo sa pulis ayaw mag-admita. [laughter] Well, anyway I’ll pass you this time because I need good and capable soldiers and I know that one or two is bound to happen. Pero patawarin ko kayo. [applause]
The number one is for rape. [laughter] P***** i**. Ang number two is drugs with rape with robbery. [laughter] Para sa Muntinlupa ito.[laughter] Pangatlo multiple rape of the women of Baguio, the beautiful ones.Sino ‘yan?
Way moangkon. Okay. [applause] Better luck next time. You are all pardoned. Congratulations. [applause]
Serve your country well. [Cadets: Yes sir!] Die for your country if it needs be. [Cadets: Yes sir!] Remember the young Filipinos yet to come, the children and those who are now studying. Huwag mong kalimutan ninyo ‘yan. And if you think that the country is not run the way it is and if it will destroy your country, you should know what to do. Do you understand me? [Cadets: Yes, sir!] Good.”-Editha Z. Caduaya/NewsLine.ph
