Vice President Sara Duterte called on the graduating cadets of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Siklab Laya” class of 2025 on Saturday, May 17, to resist becoming instruments of oppression by those in power and instead uphold integrity and patriotism in service to the Filipino people.
In a pre-recorded video message posted on her Facebook account, Duterte lauded the cadets for choosing a life of selfless service and challenged them to stand firm against abuses of power.
“You have chose the life of selfless service that only the brave, the courageous, and the real patriot would choose, demonstrating strength, integrity, and honor before a nation seeking to overcome institutional abuse of power and extreme inequalities impacting mostly the poor," she said.
“Lagi sana kayong maging instrumento na magsusulong ng kabutihan, ng tama, ng katotohanan at tunay na pagbabago sa buhay ng Pilipinong patuloy na nangangarap, nagsusumikap at umaasang magtatagumpay,” the vice president stressed.
Duterte also issued a strong reminder against being complicit in wrongdoing.
“Huwag sana kayong maging kasangkapan ng pagmamalabis, pagta-traydor at pagpapahirap ng mga nasa kapangyarihan sa mga kapwa Pilipino na katulad niyo ay matapang na naninindigan para sa kabutihan, sa tama, sa katotohanan at sa tagumpay ng mga Pilipino,” she added.
Duterte further urged the new military officers to be agents of transformation, emphasizing their service should ignite the nation’s strength and push toward true freedom.
“I trust that you will continue to personify the virtues that shaped your military education and enabled you to become commendable cadets with courage, integrity, and loyalty to your noble path of duty,” she reminded the graduates to uphold the highest values in their military careers.
“Keep the fervor within you burning and continue building a bright future amid every hurdle and challenge in these times of uncertainty so you may stand as a beacon of hope and strength to our hopeful nation,” she added.
The Vice President also urged the PMA graduates to protect the integrity of the institution they now represent.
“May you always strive to restore and uphold the values of an independent, non-partisan and professional institution. One, whose sole duty is to defend the Constitution,” she stated.
"May you never yield to the greed for material gain, political pressure, or foreign influence. May you always stand unbowed,” Duterte concluded.
Meanwhile, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos served as the guest speaker during the commencement held at Fort Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City.
