The Armed Forces of the Philippines said the issue of a cadet asking for President Marcos’ wristwatch during a recent Philippine Military Academy graduation ceremony has already been resolved.
On Tuesday, AFP Spokesperson Colonel Margareth Padilla told reporters that PMA authorities already took the necessary disciplinary action against the audacious cadet
She emphasized that the unnamed cadet’s actions were “unusual and unacceptable” and that his behavior is not consistent with the premier military school’s traditions and the culture its seeks to imbue among graduates.
“In accordance with the rules and regulations on how we conduct ourselves as cadets… It has already been addressed and let’s leave it at that,” Padilla added.
Earlier, the AFP confirmed that a PMA cadet boldly asked for Mr. Marcos’ wristwatch when he met the commander-in-chief at the academy’s graduation rites in May this year.
The matter caught the public’s attention after Vice President Sara Duterte mentioned it in her rants against the President last week.
Mr. Marcos and Duterte both attended the event despite their very public falling out.
“This is an isolated incident. It has already been dealt with. It’s already a closed book on our side,” Padilla further explained.
“It’s actually an isolated case that does not reflect the overall culture and training of the academy. It happened in a moment of euphoria. He was facing the President and he made a mistake. This behavior is neither common nor acceptable,” Padilla explained.
According to the AFP, the erstwhile cadet is now a member of the Philippine Air Force.
“He was not dismissed. Upon learning about the incident, the PMA took immediate action.” Padilla assured.
