The Armed Forces and Cadet Cudia

Last month the Armed Forces of the Philippines commissioned 222 brand-new second lieutenants, all graduates of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA). Of the 222, 19 were female. A week ago, the academy took in 346 new cadets, including one Thai citizen. Of the total number which represents the largest class ever admitted to the PMA, 93 are women.

Since January 1988, when Gen. Renato de Villa became AFP chief of staff, the Armed Forces leadership has been virtually monopolized by PMA graduates. There is reason to be concerned about this situation. History has shown that monopolies, whether in government or in business, do not always work to the advantage of nations or organizations.

For an Armed Forces that would symbolize the unity of our nation, I have often proposed the restoration of a meaningful and effective (read: compulsory) ROTC program for several reasons:

• The nation would benefit from a large pool of trained

reserves that include all sectors of society. The strength of small nations like Israel, Switzerland and Singapore, is a citizen army that is constantly undergoing training, and ready at a moment’s notice for any emergency.

• A healthy rivalry will be good for the PMA. A spirit of competition and engagement always brings out the best in human beings and organizations. In the past, several ROTC products distinguished themselves in leading the Armed Forces.

* * *

During the past few weeks much attention has been focused on the case of PMA Cadet First Class Jeff Aldrin Cudia. He has since been separated from the military service and the matter elevated to the Supreme Court.

Let me offer a few thoughts that will help us better understand and appreciate the case at hand. I have also some recommendations that may benefit both the PMA as well as a young man whose life has been turned upside down by recent events.

But first, a brief look at the past.

When I joined the PMA some 60 years ago, one of the first “indoctrinations” I received from upper-class mentors who scared the sh-t out of me with their shouting and bullying, was on a publication called “The Honor Code.” Briefly, the Code stated “we the cadets do not lie, cheat, steal nor tolerate among us those who do.” Truth to tell, I missed my warm bed at home, the home-cooked meals that were always ready when wanted, the feeling of security surrounded by loved ones, and here was this complete stranger telling me how important it was not to lie, cheat or steal.

If I did any of those things at home, I got whacked in the butt, and was given a stern warning not to do it again. It had no fancy name like some code of conduct—it was simply the law of the land at home. You violate it, you suffer the consequences. And little by little, you come to appreciate what was right and what was wrong.

The best indoctrination on an Honor Code or value system, starts at home with parents who care. It does not come out of the blue in a burst of periodic brainwashing sessions. By the time a young boy or girl goes to the PMA, his value system should have already been formed. The Honor Code at the PMA merely strengthens what he already knows and believes in. It does not guarantee that once an individual leaves the institution, he will continue to uphold the same values.

When we were cadets, violations of the Honor Code were dealt with in two ways: resignation of the accused, or ostracism by the Corps. Through the years, the procedures in handling Honor violations have changed but the basic principle remains in place—“a cadet will not lie, cheat, steal or tolerate those who do.”

The case of Cadet Jeff Aldrin Cudia Cadet Cudia was charged with a violation of the Honor Code. Basically, he lied about why he was late for a certain class. Aside from him, three other cadets were also reported for being late for the same class. They explained the circumstances that caused their tardiness. Their explanations did not completely exculpate them but merited some consideration and so, punishments were reduced.

In the case of Cadet Cudia, he gave a completely different explanation for being late. Further investigation indicated that he was not telling the truth, and the matter was brought to the attention of the Cadet Honor Committee.

After deliberations, the body of nine voting members rendered judgment as follows: 8—guilty; 1—not guilty. In a follow-up executive session of the group, the lone dissenter changed his vote to guilty. Now the one who changed his vote swore in an affidavit that it was done on his own volition without any pressure from the rest. On the other hand, there are conflicting reports that he was persuaded by the others to change his position.

With the original 8-1 vote, Cudia would have been saved. The 9-0 vote sealed his fate, and the committee recommended dismissal.

Let us set aside for the moment the 9-0 vote. Consider this. In any court with nine voting members, a vote of 8-1 in favor or against the accused is quite impressive and overwhelming. Nothing in the regulations or by tradition prevents the committee from calling for a second vote after a review of the case at hand. Lawyers may argue about the legal niceties, but the committee proceedings are basically cadet-administered. The Code belongs to them.

Recommendations

A thorough review of regulations and procedures involved in the implementation of the Honor System is necessary and important. Written guidelines and directives would assist future cadet committees in carrying out their responsibilities and ensuring greater consistency and credibility.

With the end in view of making the system corrective rather than strictly punitive, perhaps graduated levels of punishments may be considered for varying degrees of honor offenses. Dismissal remains an option.

Cadet Cudia should be allowed to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree. He has earned it. The PMA Academic Board, with the approval of the AFP chief of staff, should be able to work this out. If later, he is still interested in a military career, the doors should be open for him. We are all entitled to a second chance. Sometimes, those who have fallen but have picked themselves up, perform much better than those who have never experienced failure or personal disappointments.

* * *

There is a new team at the PMA. The superintendent, Maj. Gen. Oscar Lopez, his assistant Brig. Gen. Andre Costales Jr., and the commandant of cadets, Col. Rozzano Briguez, have a golden opportunity to correct the deficiencies of the past and move the PMA forward. We wish them success in these endeavors.