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| Defense Secretary took over the distribution of diplomas to members of the PMA Mabalasik Class 2019 |
It was said that President Rodrigo Duterte has broken the tradition when he skipped giving of diplomas to all the members of the Philippine
Military Academy (PMA) Mabalasik Class of 2019.
The President delegated the distribution of most diplomas to
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, after giving Cadet First Class Dionne Mea
Umalla, the class valedictorian, her diploma, the presidential saber, and the
certificate of ownership to a house and lot.
Vice President Leni Robredo, meanwhile, handed the award to
salutatorian Jonathan Mendoza.
For the rest of the class, being the second highest official
for defense, Lorenzana took over the distribution of diplomas.
The President again stood up to award the PMA 2019 class
goat, Danmark Solomon with a caliber .45 gun. He also gave his watch to Cadet
Albert Jalaguit.
Lorenzana reportedly told CNN Philippines that Duterte watched
from his seat because he was sleepy.
“Inaantok daw siya,” he said in a text message.
The Spokesman of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) said
it was the prerogative of President Rodrigo Duterte if he decided to only give
the diploma of the class valedictorian.
“We leave it to the president po, kasi prerogative naman po
(niya) iyan (it’s his prerogative),” said PMA Spokesman Major Reynan Afan.
“Ang term po namin diyan [Our term for that] is he can have
a delegated authority,” he added.
In his speech, the President reminded the soldiers about
embodying humility, courage, and loyalty as they directed them to protect the
people and the country’s sovereignty and territory.
“Serve your country well. Die for your country if it needs
be,” the commander-in-chief said addressing the graduates of Mabalasik
Class 2019.
“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?” he said
“Yes, sir!” the graduates reply.
Source: Politiko, Manila Bulletin
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