If the President wants me to quit, that’s the time I’ll resign –PMA head

Philippine Military Academy (PMA) superintendent Lieutenant General Ronnie Evangelista on Monday said he would only step down from his post if President Rodrigo Duterte orders him to do so.

"Pag sinabi ng President na I am relieved, wala akong magagawa. Kaya hopeful lang ako na sana matapos muna ito," Evangelista told reporters.

"Ako nga, ang nagappoint sa akin, President eh. 'Di siyempre 'yung Presidente rin ang puwedeng magalis sa akin. Kung sabi niya na ayaw na niya sa akin, that would be the time na aalis ako," he added.

However, while he was willing to leave his post, the PMA superintendent first wanted to complete the investigation on the hazing death of Fourth Class Cadet Darwin Dormitorio.

"Hopeful ako na sana kung merong ganoon eh matapos muna ito kasi sabi ko, I never back down in the middle of a firefight. Sayang naman," Evangelista said.

Earlier, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo called for Evangelista's resignation, arguing that the hazing case at the Academy showed weak leadership.

There were three suspects and two persons of interest in Dormitorio's death.

The PMA had emphasized that maltreatment was not tolerated at the institution and that charges would be filed against the those responsible for the hazing death. — DVM, GMA News