Page Reader AI | Dismissed PMA cadet Cudia's case 'closed and terminated'

Dismissed PMA cadet Cudia's case 'closed and terminated'

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Case Summary

The Supreme Court of the Philippines definitively rejected the third motion for reconsideration filed by former Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cadet Jeff Aldrin Cudia, thus concluding his case. Cudia's dismissal stemmed from a violation of the PMA Honor Code, specifically for allegedly lying about tardiness to class.

Key Events

Cudia was dismissed from the PMA in 2014 for violating the Honor Code.
He filed multiple appeals to the Supreme Court, seeking to obtain his diploma.
The Supreme Court consistently upheld the PMA's decision in its previous rulings.
Cudia's case gained significant public attention, sparking debates on the PMA's honor code and procedures.
Despite the dismissal, Cudia pursued and passed the University of the Philippines College of Law entrance exam.

Outcome

The Supreme Court's final decision brings an end to Cudia's legal battle, affirming his dismissal from the PMA and leaving his plea for a diploma unfulfilled. While the case highlights the strict nature of the PMA Honor Code, it also fueled discussion about the academy's disciplinary processes and prompted calls for reform within the institution.

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The High Court junks the former cadet's third motion for reconsideration

MANILA, Philippines – The Supreme Court denied the 3rd appeal of dismissed Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cadet Jeff Aldrin Cudia and declared his case “closed and terminated.”

“The Court, acting on the Motion of Reconsideration of petitioner through his relator, denied with finality the motion (it being his third) and considered the case closed and terminated,” the High Tribunal said following its en banc session on Monday, November 16.

Cudia was fighting to get his diploma from the military school. He was supposed to graduate with honors in 2014, but was dismissed for violating the PMA Honor Code.

He supposedly lied about his tardiness in one class. Cudia was 2 minutes late for an English class, saying that he and other cadets were “dismissed a little bit late” in the previous class. (READ: Did PMA cadet Cudia lie? Document shows details)

The PMA honor committee, a powerful body composed of students, found him guilty of lying in his explanation. They found out that he stayed long after dismissal to check his grades. They voted to dismiss him, a decision that was upheld by the academy.

In its first ruling in February 2015, the SC affirmed Cudia’s dismissal on the ground that the PMA’s honor code should be respected. The cadet filed an appeal a month later and vowed to fight to the end.

In April, the SC again upheld its verdict affirming the cadet’s dismissal from the PMA for violating the school’s honor code.

While waiting for the court’s verdict, Cudia took and passed the entrance exam to the University of the Philippines College of Law.

To be admitted to the program, however, Cudia needed a college degree. His petition with the SC sought to compel the PMA to grant him a diploma.

Cudia’s story gained national attention after his sister’s Facebook post became viral online. It prompted calls for the PMA to let him graduate and led to an intense scrutiny of the PMA’s honor code and the committee’s secret proceedings. The Commission on Human Rights backed Cudia.

President Benigno Aquino III himself met Cudia on the eve of the PMA graduation but the cadet failed to persuade him to reverse the PMA ruling.

The military hierarchy promised reforms in the academy in the wake of the controversy. – Rappler.com