President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Tuesday recognized the contributions of retired military officials warning however that they must police their ranks to prevent abuse and corruption.
The President attended the annual general assembly meeting of the Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association Inc. (PMAAAI) in Pasay City saying retirement from military service is not the end of the road for former members of the armed services.
“His duty to country and people never ends. It is enduring. His retirement from military service simply means that his life has entered a second phase that for all we know,can be more consuming and demanding than the first,” the President said of military officials returning to civilian life.
Former military men becoming governors, mayors, congressmen, senators, department secretaries, and heads of agencies has been a source of pride for the graduates of the PMA.
After ending their military service, PMA alumni have vast wealth of talent, expertise and experience and the country can benefit from it, the President said. And this is where the PMAAAI becomes relevant.
“Prudence dictates that you keep track of your members’ whereabouts, their career changes and their activities that impact on public service and public welfare,” he said.
“The image of both the Philippine Military Academy and the Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association, Inc. is only as good as the image that each one of you projects to the public.”
One scalawag among the PMAAAI ranks can destroy or dent the image and reputation of every PMAer, their Alma Mater and the association, according to the President.
A scandal committed by a member can ruin PMA’s avowed moral and ethical standards, he added.
The President encouraged the PMAAAI to use its moral ascendancy and guard its own ranks. “You owe it to the academy that nourished you. Indeed there is much you can do to help this country.”
The PMAAAI is a non-stock, non-profit corporation organized to safeguard the prestige of the PMA, strengthen the spirit of camaraderie among its members and enhance their professional growth.
It is also intended to promote the general welfare and protect the interests of its members. The PMAAAI envisions itself to become the most respected alumni association of men and women in the Philippines.
Also present were Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Senators Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go and Ronald dela Rosa, AFP Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Felimon Santos and PMAAAI Chairman Rufo de Veyra. PND
