Cudia asks SC to consider CHR findings regarding dismissal

By MARK MERUEÑAS, GMA News

Published May 20, 2014 11:22am

(Updated 12:26 p.m.) Dismissed PMA Cadet Jeff Aldrin Cudia has asked the Supreme Court to consider the Commission on Human Rights findings that he was not guilty of the offense as earlier decided by the Philippine Military Academy.

In his motion filed with the high court on Tuesday, Cudia asked the tribunal to admit the CHR's investigaiton report calling the PMA trial as a "sham."

"Being an independent and unbiased government entity which has expertise in the field of human rights, the CHR certainly renders findings and recommendations worthy of this Honorable Court's due reconsideration and high regard," read the manifestation.

Cudia's camp stressed that the CHR is tasked by the 1987 Constitution to investigate all forms of human rights violations, involving civil and political rights. "It may investigate on human rights violations committed by the military just as it may investigate those committed by civilians," the camp said.

Cudia said it was "imperative" for his camp to furnish the high court a copy of the CHR report "with the aim of ultimately aiding this Honorable Court in dispensing justice and in resolving the instant case with wisdom and discernment."

Cudia was accompanied to the Supreme Court by Public Attorney's Office chief Persida Rueda-Acosta.

Cudia and his parents currently have a pending petition with the Supreme Court contesting his dismissal.

Cudia did not march with the Siklab Diwa batch during the PMA’s graduation rites in Baguio City earlier this year since his appeal was still pending before the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the PMA at the time.

Last February, the PMA Honor Committee found Cudia guilty of lying about his reason for being late for a class, a violation that led to his dismissal from the academy.

Cudia’s classmates began ostracizing him after he opted to stay in the PMA even after the Honor Committee recommended his dismissal.

His family, however, has claimed there were irregularities on how the committee voted on his case, and asked President Benigno Aquino III to overturn the decision.

Cudia's family insisted that the PMA Honor Committee should have acquitted the cadet because one of its members had originally voted in his favor. Under PMA rules, an accused can be acquitted with just one "not guilty" vote.

In its investigation, the CHR said Cudia should not have been dismissed. The CHR said there was perjury, manipulation, and violation of the Honor Code committed by the committee members themselves. — RSJ, GMA News

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