FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City – With the national and local elections fast approaching, President Aquino has called on the military to remain apolitical at all times and focus on their duty of protecting the people.
Addressing the Philippine Military Academy graduation ceremony at Fort del Pilar here yesterday, the President advised the new military officers to stay out of partisan politics, particularly resist the temptation of corruption and other threats that bring harm to the nation.
Aquino reminded them about the country’s dark history when the military was used to curtail the country’s democracy and enforce the whim of one family, referring to the Marcos dictatorship.
“Tandaan lang po natin, tanging Sandatahang Lakas lang ang may puwersa, na kung makikihalo, lalo na sa pulitika, ay may tinatawag pong ‘monopoly of power.’ Tila hindi ho parehas ang usapan, kaya importanteng nasa isip natin parating neutral tayo, lalo na pagdating sa pamumulitika,” Aquino said during the commencement of 63-member PMA Gabay-Laya Class of 2016.
The commander-in-chief also told the military about its important role in sustaining the country’s positive transformation, saying progress cannot be achieved without stability and peace.
“Hangga’t nariyan nga ang buong Sandatahang Lakas, matapat na ginagampanan ang inyong mandato, hangga’t iisa lang ang panig ninyo at iyon ay sa taumbayan, hangga’t di kayo nakikihalo sa pulitika, maaasahan nating magtutuloy-tuloy ang positibong pagbabago,” he said.
As the PMA graduates start their career, the President also said they should brace for many temptation of corruption but urged them to always take the side of the Filipino nation.
