PMA class backs ex-PDEA chief Villanueva amid contempt citation

Forty-two members of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) "Maringal" Class of  1988 expressed support for former Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director-General  Wilkins Villanueva, who was recently cited for contempt by the House of Representatives Quad Committee (QuadComm).

In a statement, the Maringal Class condemned the QuadComm’s decision, calling it “unjust and unfounded.”

“Any move to detain DG Villanueva would represent not only a misapplication of authority but a serious affront to fairness, due process, and the respect due to an individual who has honorably served our nation,” the statement read.

The  PMA Class vouched for Villanueva’s unwavering commitment to integrity,  courage, and selfless service, qualities they said were deeply rooted in the values instilled at the academy.

They emphasized that  Villanueva had attended the QuadComm hearing in good faith, providing truthful testimony based on his recollection and personal knowledge.

“The accusations made against him, unsupported by credible evidence, cast doubt on the integrity of the process,” the alumni said.

They further warned that detaining Villanueva could erode public trust in democratic institutions tasked with upholding justice.

“To accuse him of dishonesty—without substantive evidence—unjustly undermines his decades of service and dedication to the Filipino people,” they added.

The Maringal Class noted that the issue transcended Villanueva’s case and raised broader concerns about the integrity of democratic institutions.

“This is a pivotal moment for our democratic institutions, presenting a clear choice: Will they stand as bastions of truth, justice, and integrity,  or will they allow actions that could set a dangerous precedent where power overshadows fairness and reason?” they asked.

They concluded by urging authorities to ensure justice in Villanueva’s case,  believing it would strengthen public confidence in the nation’s democratic processes.

Villanueva was  cited for contempt cited for contempt last week after allegedly refusing to answer questions during a congressional investigation into a warrantless arrest involving Jed Sy, the wife of alleged drug personality Allan Sy, nearly two decades ago.

Villanueva repeatedly denied involvement in the incident, prompting the QuadComm to sanction him.

GMA News Online is awaiting the QuadComm's response to the Maringal Class statement and will provide updates once available. — DVM, GMA Integrated News