Marcos to PMA 2026 grads: Your loyalty is not to any individual, political interest

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Saturday called on the new graduates of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) to veer away from politics, reminding them that their loyalty lies with the nation and not with any individual.

The President delivered the message during the commencement exercises of the PMA "Talang Dangal" Class of 2026 at Fort General Gregorio H. del Pilar in Baguio City, just days after Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa appealed to fellow alumni of the academy to uphold the country's sovereignty amid the arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

"As you take your oath today, remember that your loyalty is not to any political interest, not to any individual, nor any passing ideology. Your loyalty must always remain with the Republic of the Philippines," Marcos said.

As he highlighted how the academy has equipped graduates to meet the challenges of modern warfare, the President stressed that discernment remains critical for today's Filipino soldier.

"Your ability to discern truth from deception is crucial to making sound decisions. But beyond your skills, the true strength of a soldier will always be rooted in integrity, discipline, and honor," Marcos said.

In making his appeal to PMA alumni, Dela Rosa sang during a live interview on Unang Balita the "famous lines" of the PMA Hymn before calling on fellow graduates of the military and police academy, and members of the uniformed services, to stand against alleged foreign interference.

READ: Who is Bato dela Rosa?

He later left the Senate's protective custody early morning Thursday, hours after tensions erupted as shots were fired inside the upper chamber's premises.

The PMA Alumni Association chairman and CEO later issued a statement calling on the group's members to remain calm and "non-partisan amid the ongoing public discussions involving fellow Cavalier Senator Ronald dela Rosa."

Dela Rosa is graduate of the PMA Sinagtala Class of 1986.

Just a day earlier, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) dismissed concerns that the shooting incident at the Senate could trigger destabilization.

AFP chief General Romeo Brawner Jr., who was also at the PMA graduate rites, had said he instructed soldiers to "focus on our jobs and leave politics to politicians."

Female cadets leading

Also during his speech, the President reminded the graduates about serving with honor and commitment to their duty to the Filipino people.

This year's PMA batch, bearing the name "Tagapagtanggol ng Lahing Dakila at Marangal," is made up of 207 cadets — 142 males and 65 females.

A female cadet from Batangas, Cadet First Class Christine Kaye Librada, leads this year's PMA graduating class. Four other female cadets are in the Top 10.

"Throughout this mission, carry with you the honor code instilled in you by the Academy. Never lie, never cheat, never steal, and never tolerate those who do. Because silence in the face of wrongdoing is a betrayal of your values, a betrayal of your country, and a betrayal of the very principles that you have sworn to defend," Marcos said.

"Along the way, you will encounter a lot of forks in the road that will test your resolve, placing you in situations where you must choose between difficult options. But as long as you remain faithful to our flag and committed to serving our citizens, you will never lose direction," the President added.

Ahead of the Senate shooting incident, Malacañang denied receiving information about supposed destabilization efforts against the President.

The Department of National Defense (DND) likewise said it had not monitored destabilization efforts within the active ranks of the AFP amid the possible impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, a close ally of Dela Rosa. — VDV, GMA News