Political news , opinions and views for 2010 Presidential election

February 18, 2010

PMA wary of bets campaigning in academy

from Philippine Daily Inquirer
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view/20100217-253826/PMA-wary-of-bets-campaigning-in-academy

BAGUIO CITY—OFFICIALS OF THE Philippine Military Academy (PMA) are rushing preparations for the academy’s annual alumni homecoming and an early graduation ceremony, hoping these won’t be used for election campaigns.

PMA officials moved the graduation rites of Masidlak (Mandirigmang Sibol ng Dakilang Kayumanggi) Class 2010 to March 1 to fit the schedule of President Macapagal-Arroyo, herself a candidate for representative in Pampanga, according to Capt. Agnes Lynette Flores, PMA public information officer.

The campaign period for national candidates began on Feb. 9, while that for local candidates would start on March 26.

Flores said no candidate has advised PMA about attending the Feb. 20 alumni homecoming.
However, she said guidelines were issued to prohibit the distribution of leaflets and other campaign materials inside the academy grounds.

The same guidelines would apply on graduation day, she said.

Ms Arroyo, an adopted member of PMA Makatarungan Class of 1978, was set to arrive here on March 1, according to the Philippine Information Agency.

Former Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr., Lakas-Kampi-CMD standard-bearer and an adopted member of PMA Magilas Class of 1976, has not informed PMA of his attendance in the homecoming, Flores said.

Sen. Manuel Villar, Nacionalista Party standard-bearer, is an adopted member of PMA Masikap Class of 1977, while Sen. Manuel Roxas II, Liberal Party vice presidential candidate, was adopted in 1995 as a member of PMA Maharlika Class of 1984.

Sen. Loren Legarda, Villar’s running mate, is an adopted member of PMA Class 1969.

Deposed president Joseph Estrada, Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) standard-bearer, is not a member of any class, but his son, reelectionist Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, is an adopted member of PMA Masigasig Class of 1972.

“They’re not being barred from attending,” Flores said.

She said PMA maintains a policy against politicking inside the academy “for the sake of cadets.”

Politicians who are adopted members of PMA classes, she said, would not be barred from the two events “but we are confident they would come for the … occasion and not for their campaign agenda.” Vincent Cabreza, Inquirer Northern Luzon

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