Abolish PMA? No way, say city dads

By Dexter A. See

BAGUIO CITY – National and local officials here are opposing the passage of a bill filed by Surigao 1st District Rep. Philip Pichay to abolish the Philippine Military Academy located in this summer capital.

Pichay said he filed House Bill 1090 “to lessen or eradicate the baneful effects of the mistah system in the military and police organizations.”

He added this often led to destabilization activities that affected the country’s momentum in achieving economic growth.

But Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan said the PMA had been serving as solid training ground for responsible and dedicated military and police officers who have shown their sincerity in the service.

While there were a few military and police officers who joined efforts to overthrow several administrations, Domogan said this should not be used as an argument to abolish the premier military school in Asia, considering that the same are isolated incidents.

Rep. Bernardo M. Vergara said it is ironic that military adventurists came from the ranks of the PMA, the primary institution tasked to mold officers who should be at the forefront of defense against constitutional adversaries.

But he said such premise is not sufficient to warrant the abolition of the Academy because reforms were instituted to get rid of such malpractices.

Vergara added the move to abolish the Academy will go nowhere since he, an official of the PMA Host Parents Association, will lead congressmen to block the same.

Under Pichay’s proposal, PMA will be eventually abolished and the same will be divided into three specialized schools, one each for the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Earlier, PMA officials branded Pichay’s proposal as mere talk, saying the chances of the bill being enacted into law was not feasible.

Pichay’s proposal added the tri-service academies will provide 2-year officer courses which will embody the academic and training needs of the major services command.

Applicants to the tri-service academies should have finished a basic 2-year college course equivalent to 72 units. The applicants must be at least 19 years old but not more than 21 years old at the time of his or her entry to any of the academies.