(UPDATE) PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Saturday urged the new graduates of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) to remain loyal to the Constitution and not to remain silent in the face of wrongdoing.
The president issued the call just days after Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa appealed to fellow PMA alumni to uphold the country’s sovereignty amid the arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Dela Rosa is a member of PMA Sinagtala Class of 1986.
Speaking during the commencement exercises at Fort Del Pilar in Baguio City, Marcos reminded the 207 graduating cadets of PMA’s “Talang Dangal” Class of 2026 that their allegiance must always be to the nation and the Constitution above all else.
He called on the graduates to faithfully uphold the PMA Honor Code throughout their military careers.
“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,” Marcos said.
“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 you have sworn to defend,” he said.
Marcos said military officers today faced evolving threats beyond conventional warfare, including cyberthreats, disinformation, territorial aggression, and climate-related disasters.
To prepare future officers for emerging challenges, he said the PMA has started modernizing its curriculum by introducing training in data science, artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, Python foundations, and unmanned systems.
“Your sharp minds, fresh perspectives, and capability not only to respond to present risks, but to anticipate future threats before they even fully emerge and that will go a long way,” the president said.
Despite rapid technological advancements, Marcos underscored that the true strength of a soldier would always be anchored in honor, discipline and integrity.
A total of 207 cadets graduated this year, led by valedictorian Christine Kaye Demisana Librada.
Librada, the ninth female cadet to top the academy since 1993, intends to join the Philippine Army.
At the end of the ceremony, the president also granted the traditional pardon of all outstanding punishments of PMA cadets from all year levels.
Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte urged the graduates to “stand firm against all threats to our sovereignty and our liberties.”
Duterte reminded them that graduation is the “culmination of a rigorous journey — one defined by discipline, sacrifice, and an unwavering sense of duty.”
“As you step out of Fort Del Pilar, your lifelong commitment to the nation begins. Put to good use the training and values this institution has instilled in you,” she said.
Duterte thanked the graduates for choosing “this noble path” and hoped that their service could be a “determination to protect our country and uphold the welfare of every Filipino.”
Cadet 1st Class Mark John Catacutan received the Vice Presidential Saber this year as class salutatorian.
