Newly appointed Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief-of-Staff, Lt. Gen. Noel Clement, on Tuesday urged Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cadets to adopt the ‘Code of Leadership’, which stipulates that they will not tolerate any acts of maltreatment.
“Do not be afraid to speak amid injustice, just like the Honor Code: You do not lie, cheat steal or tolerate among those who do. I encourage you to also adopt a Code of Leadership, that you do not maltreat nor tolerate among yourselves who do,” Clement said in his speech during the PMA change of command ceremony, which was forwarded to defense reporters.
Once cadets have complied with those 2 codes, the AFP chief said Filipinos, from all walks of life, will be able to sleep well at night knowing that the country is in good hands.
Clement said the mindset stating that stress and pressure make a “snappy cadet” should be cast aside, adding that being a good soldier and a leader requires more than endurance and tolerance of pain.
“Rather, the yardstick we must employ is one that is anchored on principle, sense of justice, and love of and service to our country and our fellow Filipinos. Let these be the measures by which you gauge yourselves. Lookout and care for each other,” he said.
During the change of command ceremony in Fort Gregorio Del Pilar, Baguio City, Rear Admiral Allan Cusi replaced Lt. Gen. Ronnie Evangelista as PMA acting superintendent.
Evangelista stepped down from his post in the wake of the alleged maltreatment death of Cadet Fourth Class Darwin Dormitorio last Sept. 18.
Aside from Evangelista, Corps of Cadet Commandant, Brig. Gen.Bartolome Vicente Bacarro also resigned from his post. He was replaced by Marawi crisis veteran, Brig. Gen. Romeo Brawner, in an acting capacity last week. (PNA)
