At least 18 military officers who graduated from the prestigious Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and spent half of their life in the service are now elected government leaders.
“When retirement seems to be an end to a soldier’s career, these PMA alumni found their way to back to government service by running for a political office," Col. Romeo Brawner Jr., public relations chairman of the PMA Alumni Association, Inc., said.
Among the prominent cavaliers who won in last May 2013’s local and national elections are Senators Gregorio B. Honasan (Class 1971) and Antonio F. Trillanes III (1995); Muntinlupa Representative Rodolfo G. Biazon (1961); and Zambales Governor Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. (1970).
PMA alumni are called cavaliers in recognition of a prestigious brotherhood.
The list also includes Lubang, Occidental Mindoro Mayor Juan M. Sanchez (1955); Antipolo City Representative Romeo M. Acop (1970), Pangasinan Governor Amado T. Espino Jr. (1972); San Manuel, Tarlac Mayor Benjamin D. Tesoro (1975); Alabat, Quezon Mayor Fernando L. Mesa (1975); 2nd District of Pangasinan Representative Leopoldo N. Bataoil (1976); Tuguegarao, Cagayan Mayor Jefferson P. Soriano (1976); Laoac, Pangasinan Mayor Silverio D. Alarcio Jr. (1976); Bangui, Ilocos Norte Vice-Mayor Fidel A. Cimatu Jr. (1977); Anti-Crime and Terrorism thru Community Involvement Support Partylist Representative Samuel D. Pagdilao Jr. (1979); Barotac Viejo, Iloilo Mayor Raul C. Tupas (1994); and DIWA Partylist Chair Edgar B. Aglipay (1971) represented by his daughter, Atty. Emmelyn Aglipay.
“The Magdalo Party List group was also able to secure two seats during the elections for Garry C. Alejano (1995) and Francisco Ashley Acedillo (1999),” Brawner said.
The number of votes per party list determines the number of seats.
Whichever gets two percent of total votes cast are guaranteed a seat; those that get more than two percent may get additional seats based on the Comelec’s formula on seat allocation.
The party list system is a proportional mode of representation in Congress.
The Magdalo was formed by Trillanes’ group that revolted against the Arroyo administration. The group seized the Oakwood Hotel in Makati City that earned them the moniker Oakwood munity in 2003.
To date, the highest post ever occupied by a PMA alumnus in politics was the Presidency by Fidel V. Ramos (United States Military Academy 1950) who became the 12th President of the Philippines from 1992 to 1998. Meanwhile, Panfilo M. Lacson (1971) ended his term as Senator last June 30.
“PMA alumni running for public office is not a new practice in the country. In fact, more and more cavaliers are turning to politics after retiring from the service to continue their advocacy and serve the people and the nation,” Brawner said.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/65307/more-than-a-dozen-pma-graduates-have-been-elected-to-office
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