FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City—No presidential candidates, who were adopted members of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) classes, joined the Saturday homecoming, despite assurances from organizers that they were not barred from participating in this annual event.
READ: Pols kept out of PMA alumni rites
For instance, Sen. Grace Poe was absent from the affair although PMA Class of 1961 received the silver jubilarian award from the Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association Inc. (PMAAA). Poe is the candidate for adoption of the said class.
Because 2016 was an election year, adopted members who are running for a national or local post in May 9 were requested by PMAAA to sit out the alumni parade and to watch the affair from the grandstand at Borromeo Fields.
READ: PMA alumni says adopted members could meet class at picnics
PMAAAI Chair Manuel Espejo said the ceremonies at the homecoming are tributes “bestowed upon the alumni.” RAM