Vice President Sara Duterte reminded graduates of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Siklab-Laya Class of 2025 to never allow themselves to be instruments of abuse and betrayal against Filipinos who continue to uphold the truth.
VP Sara tells PMA 2025 graduates: Don't be an instrument of betrayal, abuse
Vice President Sara Duterte (MB File Photo)
In a message for the PMA Siklab-Laya Class of 2025 on Saturday, May 17, Duterte acknowledged the bravery, courage, and love for country exemplified by the new graduates, and hoped that they will not allow themselves to be used by those in power to further oppress impoverished Filipinos.
“Huwag sana kayong maging kasangkapan ng pagmamalabis, pagtatraydor, at pagpapahirap ng mga nasa kapangyarihan sa mga kapwa Pilipino na katulad ninyo ay matapang na naninindigan para sa kabutihan, sa tama, sa katotohanan, at sa tagumpay ng mga Pilipino (May you not be instruments of abuse, betrayal, and oppression by those in power against Filipino who, like you, are courageously are standing up for the good, for what’s right, for the truth, and victory of Filipinos),” she said.
Instead, the Vice President asked for them to become instruments that will push for the good, the just, the truth, and the change that will fulfill the dreams and hopes of Filipinos.
“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. May you never yield to the greed for material gain, political pressure, or foreign influence,” she added. “May you always stand unbowed.”
Through their service, Duterte said she trusts that it will set fire to the Filipinos’ fervor hope and strength to attain 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,” the official stated.
“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.
Duterte described the path chosen by military graduates as a “life of selfless service,” one that “only the brave, the courageous, and the real patriot would choose” because it demonstrates “strength, integrity, and honor before a nation seeking to overcome institutional abuse of power and extreme inequalities impacting mostly the poor.”