Ex-AFP chief Biazon discourages Cudia from pursuing military career

A former Armed Forces chief of staff has advised dismissed Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Cadet Jeff Aldrin Cudia against pursuing a military career, saying he will only be considered a “leper” by his peers for violating the PMA Honor Code.

At a press briefing Tuesday, Muntinlupa Rep. Rodolfo Biazon, who headed the Armed Forces of the Philippines for a brief period in 1991, also said the PMA should give Cudia his diploma and transcript of records even if he was barred from graduating so he can start anew.

“I would agree that [Cudia] should get his diploma so that he can start anew, but I would advise him not to stay in the service anymore because he will be a  leper out there,” Biazon said.

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 he was recommended for dismissal by the Honor Committee.

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

Cudia did not march with the Siklab Diwa batch during the PMA’s graduation rites on Sunday since his appeal is still pending before the AFP and the PMA.

Biazon expressed relief that Aquino did not overturn the Honor Committee’s decision because he believes the issue should be resolved without pressure from individuals or groups outside the academy.

“I am glad that the President did not reverse the findings of the Honor Committee, because if external factors are introduced to reverse the findings of the cadet Honor committee, then you have changed the nature of the Honor System in the PMA,” he said.

Biazon briefly served as PMA superintendent from 1986 to 1987. — KBK, GMA News