PMA alumni bar ‘pol-mistahs’ from homecoming

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Adopted members of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) will not be parading with their “mistahs” (classmates) at the Borromeo Field during the annual alumni homecoming tomorrow.

The PMA Alumni Association Inc. (PMAAAI) has discouraged honorary members, some of whom are candidates in the May 2019 elections, from marching during the pass and review of the different PMA classes.

Jaime delos Santos, PMAAAI chairman and former Army commanding general, said PMA graduates and honorary members are welcome to attend the alumni festivities but are not allowed to use the event for political purposes. Special seats have been reserved for adopted politicians at the PMA grandstand.

This is the first time the group imposed such restriction in an election year, as the adopted politicians have always been allowed to march with their classmates in the past.

Among the politician honorary members of PMA classes running in the midterm elections are former senator and foreign secretary Alan Peter Cayetano and former special presidential assistant Christopher Go, both of Tanglaw Diwa Class of 1992; Sen. Grace Poe, Sambigkis Class of 1991; Sen. Francis Escudero, Hinirang Class of 1987; and former interior secretary Manuel Roxas II, Maharlika Class of 1984.

Presidential daughter Sara Duterte, who is seeking re-election as Davao City mayor, is also an honorary member of PMA Class 1984.

President Duterte, who is said to be skipping this year’s alumni homecoming, is an adopted member of PMA Class 1967.

Former Philippine National Police chief Ronald dela Rosa of Sinagtala Class of 1986 and Magdalo party-list Rep. Gary Alejano of Marilag Class of 1995 are among the PMA alumni running in the midterm polls.

Around 2,000 PMA alumni and their families are expected to participate in this year’s homecoming, which has former AFP chief and now Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu as guest of honor and speaker.