History, Traditions and General Information

The Philippine Military Academy began on October 25, 1898 with the establishment of the
Academia Militar in Malolos, Bulacan by virtue of a decree issued by the first president of the
young Philippine Republic, General Emilio Aguinaldo. Graduates were awarded regular
commission in the armed forces. Its existence was short-lived, barely four months old, up to 20
January 1899, when hostilities between the Americans and Filipinos erupted.

While the Philippines was under American colonial rule, an officer's school of the Philippine
Constabulary was established at the Walled City of Intramuros in Manila on February 17, 1905. It
relocated three years later to Baguio City, initially at Camp Henry T. Allen, and subsequently at
Teacher's Camp.

The Philippine Legislature on September 8, 1926 passed Act No. 3496 renaming the school the
Philippine Constabulary Academy' and lengthened its course from nine months to three years with
provisions to strengthen the faculty and revise its curriculum.

On December 21, 1936, Commonwealth Act No. 1 (also known as the National Defense Act) was
passed. The law formally created the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and authorized it to
confer a Bachelor of Science degree on its graduates after they successfully complete the four-year
course.

The outbreak of World War II in late 1941 disrupted training at the Academy. Classes 1942 and
1943 were graduated ahead of schedule, assigned to combat units in various parts of the
Philippines. Many perished during the war.

The Philippine Military Academy reopened on May 5, 1947 again at its former location in the
Summer Capital, Camp Henry T. Allen.

Due to the need for wider grounds, the Academy moved to its present site at Fort Gregorio del
Pilar, a sprawling 373-hectare compound in Loakan, some 10 kilometers from downtown Baguio
City. Named after the young hero of the battle of Tirad Pass, General Gregorio del Pilar, PMA in
its new location was developed into a military training institution with facilities and infrastructure
required by a growing academy.

Its pre-war technically-oriented curriculum, patterned after that of the US Military Academy at
West Point, was restored. Socio-humanistic courses were added In the 1960s, as the curriculum
underwent major changes, and strengthened to balance the techno-scientific disciplines, with a
view towards providing a well-rounded education relevant to the needs of a growing Armed Forces
of the Philippines.

In 1993, PMA was transformed into a 'Tri-Service Academy', which introduced specialized,
branch-of-service-specific courses in the last two years of training, preparing fresh PMA graduates
for their specific branch of service, for the graduates to be 'field-ready', 'fleet-ready' or 'squadron-
ready' upon graduation. Also that same year, in accordance with Republic Act 7192, the first
female cadets were admitted into the Philippine Military Academy.
 Cadet Life
To build the desirable character traits expected of cadets, they live under an atmosphere of restraint
prescribed by rules and regulations. These rules and regulations are all codified into what is known
as the Graybook or "cadet bible." The Graybook defines, specifies, and covers all the "do's" and
"dont's" of cadet behavior, activities and actuations.

Cadets follow very unique customs and traditions that are premised on the principle that "no one
is fit to command who has not learned to obey." This tradition calls for certain standards which the
plebe - fresh from civilian life must meet. It also considers several corrective measures the
upperclassmen may take to enable the plebes to meet the standards. In other words, the custom
operates to develop good qualities and individuals. Likewise, it helps him exercise his leadership.
This custom is known as the Fourth class System.

Another equally, if not more important means of developing the character is the Honor System.
The system is very special to the cadets, and transcends all aspects of his life in the Academy. It
presupposes clean thinking and honest dealing; therefore, deception is neither tolerated nor are
undue advantages allowed to be taken by one another.

The following topics should define in a nutshell the life of a cadet in the Philippine Military
Academy:

The Four Distinct Classes

×
First Class
They are the ruling class and as such they occupy the major positions of responsibility in the
cadet chain of command. They are designated the chairmen and cadet-in-charge of the various
committees, clubs and corps squads. They also enjoy certain privileges peculiar only to the
"firsties." Their academics are also more specialized as they now embark on the final year of
their training for future officership in the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Second Class
Secondclass Cadets are also called the "cows." The secondclass year marks the point at which
the cadet starts to specialize according to the branch of service he or she has elected to join.
Thus, the secondclass cadets no longer take the same subjects as each of his or her classmates but
they now take different subjects depending on their branches of service and fields of
specialization. Within the cadet chain of command, the secondclass cadets now act as squad
leaders. Moreover, in the absence of the firstclass cadets, they take over the responsibility of
running the Cadet Corps.

Third Class
The life of thirdclass cadets, sophomores in civilian universities, and called the "yearlings" in the
Academy, starts upon completion of fourthclass year. During this period, the yearling adjusts to
life as an upperclass cadet. Although they are the least ranking of the upperclass cadets, they are
now entitled to the privileges of being upperclass cadets. One of their responsibilities is being a
"buddy" to a plebe. As buddies, they set the examples of how a cadet should behave and they are
responsible for ensuring that the plebes conform with the standards of cadetship.

Fourth Class
The fourthclass cadets are the first year students. In the Academy, they are traditionally called
"plebes" and are the equivalent of the college freshmen in civilian universities. The first day of
plebehood starts with the Reception Ceremonies on April 1 of each year. Then, they undergo an
eight week summer training or "beast barracks" during which time they are indoctrinated with
the military and cadet systems of training. During this period, the plebes form the New Cadet
Battalion and their training is handled by the tactical officers and upperclass cadets forming the
"Plebe Detail." After the beast barracks, the plebes are formally accepted into the ranks of the
Cadet Corps in another ceremoney called Incorporation which is held during the last week of
May.

The Female Cadets

The passage of Republic Act No. 7192 granted women in the Philippines equal access to the
service academies such that on April 1993, the first batch of female cadets were accepted by the
Philippine Military Academy.

The number of female cadets accepted has since been limited to not more than 5 percent of the
total number of cadets entering the Academy at any one time.

The selection and admission of female cadets into the Academy is similar to that required of their
male counterparts. The only difference is in the height requirement where females must be at least
5 feet 2 inches in height as compared to males who are required to be at least 2 inches taller.

When applicants pass the written entrance examination, they are selected after thorough physical
and neuro-psychiatric examinations and pre-cadet qualification interviews conducted at the Armed
Forces of the Philippines Medical Center. Female appointees are not given any special treatment
during these examinations.

One reason for accepting only a few female cadets is the limited availability of adequate facilities
for women. The Philippine Military Academy all through these years has primarily been a school
for men and it is understandable that changes could not be affected overnight.

Also, the military profession has always been a man's world and women have not generally been
very keen and enthusiastic in being a part of it.

It has only been lately that women have started to venture into this rigorous Spartan way of life.
The Academy recognizes this change in trend and is doing its best to provide equal opportunities
for both men and women.
With the entrance of the female cadets, numerous adjustments needed to be done not only in the
physical training but also in many other aspects to accommodate the very different needs of the
female sex. From being a male-dominated bastion of military thought and tradition, the Academy
is now home to both sexes.

The Physical Fitness Training had to be restudied to make it work for both sexes, new female
barracks were constructed and female Tactical Officers were brought in. With the numerous
changes that the Academy underwent, it is no wonder that because of the presence of women, the
Academy has become a topic of public interest.

The female cadets also underwent basically the same training as their male counterparts. Whatever
adjustments had to done were minimal. Trained to become future officers of the Armed Forces,
they undergo the same physical fitness tests, made to walk the same rugged mountain trails and
dusty roads during foot marches and attend the same academic classes as their classmates. No
distinction is made between sexes in terms of punishments and demerits as well as rewards and
merits.

Since women were accepted in 1993, female cadets have since graduated with the classes of 1997,
1998, 1999, and 2000. The first female cadet to hold the distinction of graduating at the top of her
class is Arlene A. Dela Cruz who belonged to the Class of 1999.

With what Arlene has accomplished as a cadet, this young Filipina woman was able to prove in
just a short time that women were just as good and as qualified as their male counterparts ... and
in her particular case, she has without doubt proven herself to be one of the top-notched cadets that
the Philippine Military Academy has ever had.

On her graduation, Cadet Dela Cruz also received the following coveted awards: Presidential
Saber, Philippine Navy Award, Navy Courses Plaque, Social Sciences Plaque, and the Humanities
Plaque.

Just like their male counterparts, these female graduates were commissioned as regular officers in
the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Together with their male counterparts, they will stand among
the revered alumni and be stalwart defenders of the Academy's ideals of courage, integrity, and
loyalty.

Ceremonies and Traditions

×
There are different rites and ceremonies participated in by all cadets of the Philippine Military
Academy. It starts right from the very first day a new cadet reports to Fort Del Pilar and ends on
March Week when the cadet finally leaves the Academy as a graduate.

These rites and ceremonies are interspaced throughout a cadet's 4-year stay at the Academy and
serve as important highlights in the life of a cadet.
Reception

Traditionally, April 1st has been set aside for the reception of the new cadets. This day marks the
first day of a military career and the last day of their civilian lives.

On this day, the new cadets form at the Borromeo Field and take their oath of office as cadets of
the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The upperclass cadets comprising the Plebe Detail then take charge and give the new cadets a
series of exercises to perform. These exercises, to include push-up, sit-up, squat thrust, jumping
jacks, dash, are but a foretaste of what to expect for the next eight weeks of "Beast Barracks."

Incorporation

After eight long and arduous weeks of "Beast Barracks," the new cadets are now ready to be regular
members of the Cadet Corps of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Through the Incorporation Ceremony, the new cadets now take their place in the different squads
of the eight companies making up the Cadet Corps.

Where before the new cadets occupy separate barracks and are kept apart from the rest of the Corps
save for the members of the Plebe Detail, now they join the rest of the Corps in all activities.

For the first time, during Incorporation Day, the new cadets (the plebes) join the rest of the Corps
as they pass in review.

This Incorporation Ceremony is a meaningful ceremony since it symbolizes that the new plebes
are now truly fit and worthy of being called cadets.

Recognition

This ceremony remains to be one of the most touching and memorable traditions a cadet
experiences in the Philippine Military Academy.

On this day, through a simple yet profoundly meaningful handshake and pat on the back by an
upperclass cadet, the fourthclass ceases to be a plebe.

This is a rite of passage, the end of the numerous restrictions and difficulties that only a plebe can
experience in the Academy.

As the name suggests it is a recognition that the plebe has successfully met the challenges of plebe
life.

100th Nite Show

Traditionally, the 100th Nite Show signalled the 100-day countdown to graduation for the firstclass
cadets.

Thus, the 100th Nite Show is presented during December to relatives, friends, and the general
public.

It is a showcase of the cadets' artistic, terpsichorean and literary talents.

The 100th Nite Show, sponsored by the Dialectic Society, is supervised, managed, and participated
in solely by the cadets.

Graduation Week

This week is one of the most significant and important traditions celebrated in the Philippine
Military Academy.

It represents the culmination of four exacting years of regimented training.

It is during this week that the firstclass cadets pass on the mantle of leadership to the incoming
firstclass cadets in moving and impressive ceremonies which form part of the graduation parade.

The graduation week ends with the Graduation Exercises with the President of the Philippines and
the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines as the guest of honor and speaker.

Ring Hop

The Ring Hop is a firstclass cadet dance and ceremony which takes place during Graduation Week.

In this ceremony, the person closest to the heart of the cadet slips on the cadet's finger the class
ring or what is called the bull ring ... and usually, it is a mother or a sweetheart who is asked to do
this.

In turn, the cadet gives the mini ring, a smaller version of the bull ring to his partner. This ritual is
performed by having each couple go through a giant replica of the class ring which is mounted on
an elevated platform at the front of the ballroom.

Within this ring, the cadet unties a colored ribbon placed around the neck of the female partner
which is used to hold the bull ring like a pendant.

After rings are exchanged a kiss, a hug, or a handshake is made to complete the ceremony. For the
Class of 1997, traditions will have to be broken. This time the graduating female cadets will
probably ask a father or a boyfriend to participate in the ritual.

Graduation Hop

The graduation hop is the counterpart of the graduation ball in civilian universities.
This is the last hop a firstclassman experiences as a cadet. It is often a strictly formal ball and
invited officers of the Armed Forces come in gala uniforms complete with their respective military
medals and decorations.

Civilians often come in tuxedos with the ladies appropriately attired in their formal evening wear.

Causes of Cadet Attrition

×

It is not guaranteed that every candidate who passes the written entrance examination and who
subsequently enters as a cadet at the Philippine Military Academy will definitely graduate after
four years of study and training.

The Academy is the country's primary military institution and as such, it is tasked to produce the
most qualified military leaders for the Armed Forces of the Philippines. And it is because of the
nature of its assigned mission that the Academy is compelled to maintain a very high standard of
education and military training. Although the majority of the members of a particular class do
graduate, unluckily there are also some who don't. There are different reasons for cadet attrition
and these are classified according to the following categories:

Academic Deficiency
This is the major cause for cadet attrition. The most common conditions are the following:

 The grade point average (GPA) earned by a cadet at the end of a term is less than 70.0
 Failing the same academic subject twice.
 The cadet is due to be turned back but has been turned back or discharged in a previous term
for any reason other than sick leave. In this case the cadet is also barred from readmission to the
Academy.
 Failing twice in Physical Education.

Deficiency in Conduct
Cadets are evaluated according to their behavior and deportment. A cadet is discharged for
conduct deficiency at the end of a "Conduct Period" if he or she is due to be turned back but has
been turned back or discharged during a previous term for reasons other than sick leave or, if he
or she obtained a grade below 6.00.

Failure in Aptitude
Leadership abilities and potentials of each cadet are also being evaluated at the end of every
term. Failure in aptitude can also occur if the cadet is due to be turned back and has been turned
back or discharged during the previous term for any reason other than sick leave.

Personal Reasons
Some of the new cadets are just not able to adjust to the rigors of military training. There are
those who experience the difficult transition from civilian to military life. Homesickness,
immaturity, poor health, lack of a sense of direction in life, loose of interest, and various other
reasons are also attributed to cadet attrition.
The Honor Code and Honor System
×
The development of character is one of the crucial aspects in the training of a cadet. It is a
fundamental objective which the Philippine Military Academy strives to achieve through the
Honor Code and the Honor System. This system is a unique system which is administered by the
cadets themselves. Through the Honor System, the cadet binds himself to the Code which states
that:

"We, the cadets, do not lie, cheat, steal, nor tolerate among us those who do so."
A Cadet does not lie. He always tells the truth regardless of the consequences. He does not quibble
or make evasive statements. A cadet does not cheat. He does not defraud others nor does he take
undue advantage of them. Whatever credit he earns in any cadet activity is wholly his own. A cadet
does not steal. He does not take the personal property of another without the latters consent. He
does not keep for himself anything that he finds which does not belong to him. A cadet does not
do any of these things and he does not tolerate any violations of the Code. He is bound to report
any breach of the code that comes to his attention. He does not countenance by inaction any honor
violation; if he were to, he becomes a party to such violation and he himself is as guilty as the
original violator. The Honor System transcends all ranks and class barriers. No cadet, regardless
of his rank and class is above the System. No violator of the Code is granted immunity. No cadet
who violates the Code can redeem himself from the violation he commits.

The spirit of the Honor System is based on two basic questions:

 Do I intend to deceive?
 Do I intend to take undue advantage?

If a cadet can answer "No" to both questions, he is not guilty of any honor violation. Once caught
or reported for an honor violation, the cadet is investigated by the Honor Committee composed of
cadets. There are twenty-five members; one representative from the first, second, third, and fourth
classes in each of the eight companies. The first and second class representatives are the voting
members, while the thirdclass are the recorders. If an honor case is to be formalized, the Honor
Court composed of eight voting members and two recorders conduct a formal hearing. A
unanimous vote of "Guilty" is needed to convict a cadet of an honor violation. If found guilty, the
cadet is asked to resign for the good of the service. The proceedings of an Honor Committee is a
privilege communication and known only to the committee and the Superintendent.

As the Class of 1951 would succinctly describe in their article on the Honor Committee, one could
get a tangible picture of the impact, implication, and relevance of the System in the Cadet Corps.
The following are exerpts which were taken from that article:

"The Honor Code is our pride as it is our heritage; we will hold its trust long after we have left the
gray line. We will be guided by its principles of fearless truth regardless of consequence, a sine
qua non in our profession of arms."

"We admit that every man who enters the Academy has been subjected to different environments
which we cannot expect to change in a short time, but we strive to help him in his adjustment to a
new system whee his word is accepted as the truth. Emphasis is placed on the fact that a rendition
of a report with a knowledge of the existence of an anomaly is dishonesty intolerable among the
group of gentlemen the Corps endeavors to produce."

"Our Code does not deviate from the universal concept of Honor. It demands the truth ... nothing
else, but the truth ... both by act and implication. Each cadet becomes a zealous guardian to this
earmark of the Corps and will report another or himself for a violation of honor. It is in keeping
this priceless legacy from our predecessors that we seek to transmit it unblemished to the unending
gray line."

Truth is the virtue of the Corps. But as in all generalities there exists an exception, a certain
individual will fail the trust exacted of him by the Code. Herein lies the main task for which the
Honor Committee, a purely cadet body was organized. It should be noted that in the past, it was
purely an investigating body and does not have the authority to impose a punitive action against
the erring cadet. A formal investigation of the honor irregularity is undertaken and unanimous
votes of its members determine whether the cadet is guilty or innocent of a violation of honor.
Confidential reports of the case with accompanying recommendations are then forwarded to the
Commandant of Cadets for official action.

To foster the spirit of truth which the Code aims to imbibe in each cadet and to prevent the
occurrence of practices inconsistent with its principles, the Honor Committee has made it a policy
to conduct periodic lectures to each class giving its interpretation of various controversial points
that may arise. With the entrance of each plebe class on April 1, it assumed the responsibility of
indoctrinating the fourthclassmen to the Code under which they had to live as cadets and future
officers.

Plebe Traditions
×
In the military way of life, the norm of conduct of every soldier is governed by a set of well-defined
regulations. Whatever is not specifically or comprehensively covered by regulations is
encompassed by the customs and traditions of the service.

Here in the Academy, as in any military institutions, certain practices, extra-regulatory in nature,
form the bulk of the customs and traditions sifted out from the experiences of our predecessors.

Although this set of practices possesses a certain degree of permanency, it is from time to time
modified or improved upon by succeeding classes as circumstances may warrant.

The plebe traditions which are part of the Corps customs are enforced by the upperclassmen who,
acting as Proletarian Guards, see to it that the fourthclassmen observe them carefully during the
initial stages of their life in the Academy.

Those who are "not in the know" might be led to believe that the plebe traditions are practiced
merely to harass that plebes for the enjoyment of the upperclassmen. These customs are not
enforced on the plebes just for the fun of them .. behind every plebe tradition lies a constructive
reason.
On the whole they are intended to imbue the newcomers with rigid discipline which cannot be
learned from reading books or memorizing verbatim an accepted definition of it.

The neophytes, fresh from the ease and comfort of civilian life, have to be hardened to the rigors
and hardships of a sternly regimented life in this Academy.

Plebe traditions also aim to produce in the plebe certain traits of character so highly essential in a
military leader.

Take for instance the plebe tradition which requires all plebes to double time anywhere they go. Is
it meant merely to tire the plebe? If that were the end in view then that tradition is unreasonable
and utterly senseless.

But the real purpose behind this time honored tradition of the Corps of Cadets is to indoctrinate
punctuality in the plebes and to make them appreciate the true value of time. By being on the
double everytime he goes to any place, the plebe reaches his destination in the shortest possible
time.

Military history is replete with examples of commanders who lost battles because they or their
subordinates reached a certain designated place late. To a military man the element of time is of
tremendous importance.

Plebes must of necessity learn this early in their lives. The crawling of plebes is another custom
which if taken superficially might make one think that it is done to make fun of them.

But crawling has for its paramount purpose: to give plebes the correct military carriage. Their
postures may be exaggerated, in fact they are, so that when the plebes become upperclassmen, the
soldierly carriage becomes natural to them.

No practices which will degrade the plebes, or make them suffer indignity, humiliation, or undue
hardships are countenanced by the upperclassmen. The plebes are made to follow traditions which
guarantee the inviolability of their dignity and self-respect.

There is not a single plebe custom that might, even to the slightest degree, taint these priceless
possessions of man.Plebe customs inculcate in the fourthclassmen, physical and moral courage,
instantaneous obedience to superior orders, respect for and loyalty to superiors without being
repugnantly servile.

These customs too, make a plebe take pride in himself and in his organization. They foster in him
promptness, neatness, orderliness, resourcefulness, and initiative.

Plebes are trained to be hardy. They are made tough by plebe customs. Hardiness is essential in
fighting men. This Academy does not envision the production of "tea-cup officers" of "dancers"
or "ladies escorts" but of men who can lead troops in the field of battle.
The plebe traditions and customs certainly are in line with this policy. They have passed the acid
test of time and were not found wanting. So, in fairness to all, customs and traditions must be
observed with impartiality and justice.

Plebe Do' s

 Know all customs, traditions, and regulations.

 Know all members of their companies by June 30, and members of the Corps by August
31.
 Know all the menu and detail of the guard and be able to recite them when called upon to
do so.
 Know the shows in town by Friday noon and on noons proceeding days with Saturday
evening privileges.
 Know all songs and cheers of the Academy.
 Fix their outgoing laundry bundles before tattoo Saturday evenings.
 Make distinct turns always.
 Have their haircuts before Wednesday of every week.
 Greet the upperclassmen at "take seats" in the Mess Hall and the Floor Inspector at police
call inspection. At tap inspection they say, "All Right Sir, Goodnight Sir!" or "otherwise
all right, Sir; Good night, Sir!"
 Eat "square meals" at order of an upper classman

Plebe Dont' s

 Sleep anytime between reveille and taps.

 Fix their beds for sleeping and change to sleeping uniform within twenty minutes after
tattoo, i.e. fix it within ten minutes before taps.
 Violate any regulations in the presence of an upperclassman; as any underclassman shall
not violate any regulation in the presence of an upperclassman, senior to him.
 Own valuables as watches, rings, necklaces, jewelry, etc. They may own clocks.
 Say "I do not know," but "will find out."
 Smoke

Priveleges

 Plebes have breaks when specified by upperclassmen.

 Plebes can be recognized by one or more upperclassmen but this shall not be construed to
mean that the upperclassman recognizing shall protect the plebe from other
upperclassman; not that the plebe shall take advantage of this by always presenting
himself to the upperclassman to evade other plebe duties. The plebe shall always
maintain the class distinction between them.
 They are "at ease" when they are with their visitors.

Restrictions
 Plebes wear proper uniform whenever they leave their rooms for any purpose between
reveille and taps. By proper uniform is meant uniform that is authorized by Regulations
for wear outside. Bathrobes, pajamas, slippers and the like may not be worn by plebes
outside of their rooms between reveille and taps.
 Plebes double time at all places upon leaving their rooms. Exceptions to this custom are:
o When excused by the surgeon from any form of physical exertion.
o When escorting visitors.
o When proceeding to parade ground under arms in full dress uniform.
o When going to and coming from mess.
o When outside camp proper.
 They are "at ease" when they are with their visitors.
 Except during the Christmas holidays, plebes are not allowed at Cadet hops. The first
cadet hop they may attend is the Graduation Ball, on their last day of plebehood.
 Plebes are not allowed to use the banisters of stairways in any building. They use the side
of the stairway away from the banisters and take the steps two at a time.
 Plebes may not watch any formation or ceremony in which upperclassmen are taking
part.
 Plebes will not look outside windows unnecessarily.
 They will stand at attention when any upperclassman enters their room.
 They will take a bath at least once a day and wash their faces before every mess
formation.
 They are not allowed to talk to each other outside their rooms.
 They may not go to the toilet rooms until ten minutes after breakfast except in an
emergency.
 They will say "Sir" in addressing upperclassmen. They may not ask questions of
upperclassmen nor make statements to them unless permitted to do so.
 In going to company formations, they will be at the place of assembly before first call.
 When "Rest" is given during any formation they execute "Parade Rest."
 They will always keep their eyes to the front when outside their rooms.
 They will not loiter at the Post Exchange, in the Barber Shop, in the sinks in Teacher's
Hall, or in the Cobbler's Shop.
 The following places are "off-limits" to Plebes:
o The clubroom of any of the classes.
o The parade ground except when engaged in athletics.
o The Picnic Grove.
 In the Mess Hall, they may not use the backs of the chairs. They use only a portion of the
seat.
 When finished eating, they roll up their napkins in their napkin rings and sit at attention
until dismissed.
 In the Mess Hall, their feet are placed flat on the floor, their knees are held together, and
exercise marked physical exertion in assuming an erect and soldierly posture.
Chiz nixes more military schools,
PMA abolition
Published February 15, 2011 10:25pm

Senator Francis “Chiz" Escudero on Tuesday said it would not be wise to

abolish the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) just because of the recent
controversy hounding its graduates. "Hindi kasalanan ng institusyon ang
kasalanan ng ilang graduate nito. Kung may gagawin tayo, huwag namang i-
abolish. I-improve, i-ayos, i-review at iwasto kung ano man ang mali o
pagkukulang. Huwag namang abolisyon kaagad ang unang solusyon," said
Escudero, chairman of the Senate Committee on National Defense and
Security. (The wrongdoing of some graduates is not the institution’s fault. If we
need to do something, that shouldn’t be to abolish it. Let’s improve, fix, review,
and correct whatever is wrong or insufficient. But let’s not immediately look at
abolition as the first solution.) Traditionally, PMA graduates have been
considered as the elite of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ corps of
officers, enjoying an inside track on promotions and opportunities not purely
due to merit but also due to an “old-boy-network" solidarity among
classmates. Recent controversies in which former top officials of the AFP
have been implicated included the supposed "pabaon" system, wherein
retiring generals are given millions of pesos as “sendoff gifts." Retired Gen.
Angelo Reyes killed himself last week after he was accused by another former
AFP official as one of those who benefited from the anomalous practice.
"[Pero] Marami din naman eskuwelahan na nag-produce ng graduate na hindi
maganda ang ginawa sa ating bansa. Wala namang nagsasabing i-abolish na
ang mga eskuwelahang yon. Ganoon din siguro dapat sa PMA," Escudero
said. (Many other schools produced graduates who did our country no good.
But no one is asking us to abolish these schools. The PMA should perhaps be
treated the same way.) In the same Senate hearing, Escudero also said that
members of the AFP themselves have expressed opposition to proposals to
establish more military schools other than the PMA. "Tila hindi suportado ito
ng Sandatahang Lakas sa ngayon at least [It seems the AFP doesn’t support
this, for now at least]," Escudero said. While some PMA graduates who are
now military and police officials admit that a few of their fellow alumni may
have strayed from the straight path, they junked recent calls by some sectors
to abolish their alma mater. (See: PMA alumni in PNP, AFP junk calls to
abolish alma mater) Escudero also said that the Philippines’ creating new
military schools was aping the US military, apart from budget constraints that
the government could face in adopting such an approach. "Eh baka naman
hindi talaga bagay sa atin dito... Marahil mas bagay iyon sa mas mayamang
bansa tulad ng Estados Unidos... Ang dami kasing sundalo at ang daming
giyerang pinapasukan nila sa iba't ibang parte ng mundo. Eh hindi naman
tayo ganoon," the lawmaker said. (Maybe that [maintaining a number of
military academies] is not appropriate to our situation. Maybe that’s more
appropriate to wealthier countries like the United States… due to their huge
armed forces and their involvement in many wars in various parts of the world.
But we are not like that.) Just the same, Escudero said he will be forming a
technical working group to further study the feasibility of setting up new
Philippine military schools.—Mark D. Merueñas/JV, GMA News
As coercive apparatuses of a particular political and socio-economic system, police and
military forces are the only agencies legally permitted to use violence and force in
preventing citizens from violating that system’s laws and regulations.

With that power comes great responsibility as well as immense potential for abuse. The
challenge then is for policemen and soldiers to develop the extraordinary fortitude and
integrity to remain upright.

This challenge is made extremely difficult in a political system dominated by foreign and
elite interests, and where corruption and patronage is the name of the game. The
police, as the servants and protectors of that flawed system, will necessarily end up just
as rotten as the corrupt and abusive politicians and operators that run it.

In the first part of this two-part series, we saw how after more than a century of serving
colonial masters, local dynasties and oligarchs, and after experiencing absolute power
under martial law, today’s Philippine National Police (PNP) has become hopelessly
mercenary and criminal. It has developed its own internal mechanisms to make use of
the oppressive and corrupt systems of governance to keep its own masters in power
and enrich its own set of elites – officers coming almost entirely from the Philippine
Military Academy (PMA).
Far from its motto “To serve and protect,” the PNP has become a tool to oppress our
own people and repress their social and democratic movements. From gunrunning,
drug trafficking, kidnap for ransom, prostitution rings, protection rackets to illegal
gambling operations, it’s like SM – they’ve got it all.

Abolition as an option

Of late, there have been efforts to strengthen the PNP’s internal checks and balances,
with Senator Panfilo Lacson suggesting that PNP Director General Ronald “Bato” de la
Rosa handpick 100 of his most trusted men to cleanse the ranks. It’s not that these
things have not been tried in the past. It’s just that they eventually fail. (READ: Dela
Rosa orders PNP: Stop war on drugs)

The most radical suggestion I’ve heard to reform the PNP is to fire all officers from
senior superintendent up to director general. But that would still fail to address the deep-
seated, systemic problems of the police force and will only give rise to a new breed of
corrupt officials.

Other Stories

Cebu City police director relieved pending NBI probe into Navarro slay
Central Visayas police chief Brigadier General Valeriano de Leon says this is to allow the NBI to conduct
its probe on the killing of Mayor David Navarro

If Duterte is serious, appoint Robredo DDB, PDEA chief – Sotto

Vice President Leni Robredo herself doesn't believe that the President is serious with his offer, and urges
him not to let his temper get the better of him when addressing questions about serious national problems

Indian Kashmir formally ceases to be a state

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hails a 'bright future' for the blood-soaked Himalayan region

Sometimes, the only way to fix a problem is to get rid of it.

Abolishing the PNP will mean firing everyone, from General Bato to the lowliest PO1 de
la Cruz. This is the ultimate strategy to dismantle the deeply entrenched mafia and
corrupt power structures in the PNP.

This will also mean creating a new police force from the ground up, with new policies,
structures and mechanisms to prevent the new police from getting to where it is now.

This new police agency will have to steer clear of the PNP’s long history and tradition as
a mercenary military and para-military institution. It should be truly civilian in character,
community-centered in its function, professional and fully transparent and accountable
to the public in its operations.

The following conditions would probably be crucial in creating such an agency:

 That no graduate of the Philippine Military Academy should be allowed to

hold a position. This effectively breaks the PMA mafia that has lorded it
over the PNP for decades. Seniority and rank should not be a factor in the
selection of appointments to the new police force. Members of the defunct
PNP should be required to undergo a stringent performance review,
reorientation and retraining before being accepted to the new agency.
 That PNP elements involved in criminal activities and human rights
violations should be seriously prosecuted, punished and prohibited from
joining the new agency.
 That full power and accountability over the police should be given to the
local government units, with the Department of the Interior and Local
Government (DILG) exercising effective oversight. The selection of
provincial police directors should be transparent and undergo a process of
public scrutiny and selection.
 The police force should be somehow organically meshed with the local
baranggay peace and order machineries to ensure quick and seamless
police response at the most basic levels. The top-heavy structure of the
police force be turned on its head, with emphasis on community-based and
community-centered operations;
 Respect for human rights should be at the core of police education and
training. This will serve as the internal check on police brutality, abuse and
impunity.
 The police internal affairs mechanism should be reoriented as a watchdog
type agency in coordination with the Office of the Ombudsman, the
Commission on Human Rights (CHR), and human rights and anti-crime
groups. Said office should be headed by credible human rights advocates.
 The Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) should be liberated from
its militarist mindset and become more of a civilian institution producing
professional law enforcement officers. Adequate training, facilities and
 resources be put in place to upgrade and professionalize the police force
in all levels.
 That the salaries and benefits of police officers be increased to attract
better personnel, improve morale and reduce corrupt practices.

As with most sweeping reorganizations, the challenge is how to accomplish this in the
swiftest but least disruptive manner. This is a matter probably best left to organizational
experts.

Abolition in the context of social reforms

Of course, whatever benefits can be had from the abolition of the PNP and the
establishment of a new police force can be easily undermined or squandered by the
very same corrupt politicians, power brokers and criminal protectors that have
benefitted from the old system.

Thus, the PNP’s abolition should be done in the context of more comprehensive reforms
to democratize the country’s political structure and culture as well as institutionalize
mechanisms for transparency and accountability. This would include electoral reforms,
a strong law protecting whistleblowers, a freedom of information act covering all
branches of government, the abolition or reduction of political dynasties, and a radical
cleansing of the judicial system, among others. Without these, a newly formed police
force will surely succumb to the old ways.
There are two opportunities in the horizon for such sweeping changes – the proposed
shift to a federal system of government proposed by Pres. Rodrigo Duterte, and the
ongoing negotiations between the government and the National Democratic Front of the
Philippines (NDFP) for a comprehensive agreement on political and constitutional
reforms. Taken jointly or separately, these opportunities for political reform can be the
avenue for the police force’s much needed overhaul.

It goes without saying that the public, particularly the progressive social movements, will
play a crucial in this project as time and time again, we have seen how the traditional
wielders of power have hijacked previous efforts to reform the system. – Rappler.com