Noy to soldiers: Reject envelopes in exchange for signatures

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino again reminded military officers yesterday of their role in protecting the Filipino people.

Speaking at the Joint Graduation Ceremony of the Officer Candidate Courses in Camp Aguinaldo, Aquino urged the officers to work hard in silence and reject “envelopes” in exchange for their “signatures.”

“As soldiers, you are called to make the ultimate sacrifice and show concern; and much more is asked of you as officers,” he said.

Aquino said he was confident that the graduates had learned about the meaning of leadership, especially since their jobs would not be easy.

The lives of their comrades would depend on their decisions, he added.

Aquino said soldiers would turn to them for direction and inspiration in times of need.

“Most of all, in front of the people, you will be the face of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” he said.

Aquino said they would have to display extraordinary courage and integrity to fulfill their duties as they would have to place their lives in danger in times of disasters.

Soldiers are on the frontlines every time a typhoon or flood hits the country, he added.

Aquino said soldiers would also have to clear the roads, ports and airports in times of disasters and other emergencies to ensure immediate assistance and restoration of order in affected communities.

Before Typhoon Yolanda last year and Typhoon Ruby last week, soldiers were always at the forefront, he added.

He praised the soldiers for their efforts in fighting bandits and terrorists.

Aquino said soldiers also need courage and integrity to shun temptation while serving the public.

“There are those who will push thick envelopes filled with money in exchange for signatures,” he said in Filipino. “There are those who will attempt to end your lives in exchange for principle.”

Aquino said he was sure that soldiers would do the right thing and that they could see the fruits of treading the straight path.

The people’s trust in government had been regained when the bureaucracy was cleaned up and rid of the corrupt, he added.

Aquino said public funds that used to land in the pockets of an abusive few are now being used for the country’s needs.

Soldiers are benefiting from this through housing projects and modern equipment like ships, helicopters and firearms, he added.

Aquino told the officers they have a long way to go in terms of public service.

Most of the time they would have to silently perform their jobs, he added.

Only woman top graduate

Ensign Cathleen Joy Cruz of Aurora province was the only woman among the top three graduates of the Armed Forces Officer Candidate Courses.

Beating 46 others from the Navy, the 23-year-old received the Presidential Saber Award during the Officer Candidate Courses joint graduation ceremony yesterday.

The award is given to top students of each major service.

Before entering the Officer Candidate School, Cruz was an accounting student at St. Louis University in Baguio City.

The two other top officer graduates are men, both former nursing students.

2Lt. Rodel Bacquial topped the batch of Army officers comprised of 71 graduates.

Born in Bohol, he was a nursing student at the University of Bohol. – With Alexis Romero