Sara Duterte, Robin Padilla take oath as PMA Class of 2002 honorary members

Vice President Sara Duterte on Friday took her oath as an honorary member of the Philippine Military Academy Bagong Anyo ng Buhay (Banyuhay) Class of 2002, the Office of the Vice President has announced.

The others who also took their oath as new members were Senator Robin Padilla and Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) Executive Leo Gonzales.

"Your love of country scintillates brilliantly during times when we need light, inspiration, and courage to stand, serve, protect, and fight for our country and fellow men,” Duterte said in her speech during the class' 21st anniversary of graduation from the PMA.

She mentioned Class of 2002 member Major Jericho Mangalus, who died along with Corporal Bryan Libot, who was ambushed by members of the Maute group during the Marawi Siege in 2017.

“Let us not forget the heroism of Mangalus, who is a member of Banyuhay class, and all the other fallen soldiers who died fighting to ensure that Filipino families will sleep well tonight,” Duterte said.

“Allow me to thank you for your role in the liberation of Marawi from the claws of the terrorists,” she added.

Duterte called on class members to “remain committed to the tenets of honor, justice, and bravery,”’ as the country goes through post-pandemic recovery under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration.

“We will continue working together in increasing the capability of our military by seeking interventions that will foster our military’s excellent leadership while spearheading programs that will uplift the morale of our soldiers and promote the welfare of all our uniformed men and women,” Duterte said. —NB, GMA Integrated News