Marcos to PNPA graduates: Choose honor, stand by what is right
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. talks to the members of the Philippine National Police Academy Class of 2025 during the PNPA’s 46th commencement exercises on Tuesday. — Photo from the Presidential Communications Office
MANILA, Philippines — “Piliin ang marangal kahit walang parangal, at ang paninindigan na tama kahit walang nakakakita (Choose what is honorable even without recognition, and stand by what is right even when no one is watching).”
This was the message of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the 206 graduates of the “Sinaglawin” Class of 2025 as he led the 46th Commencement Exercises of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) at Camp General Mariano N. Castañeda in Silang, Cavite, on Tuesday.
In his speech, Marcos acknowledged the growth and hardships that the graduates experienced when they first set foot in the academy.
“A few years ago, you arrived at the gates of the PNPA as young and perhaps unsure individuals. But now, you exit those same gates as full-fledged police lieutenants,” the president said.
“Hindi biro ang inyong pinagdaanan. Hindi rin biro ang inyong tatahakin,” he added.
(What you have gone through was no easy feat. What you are about to face will be no easy task either.)
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The “Sinaglawin” Class of 2025 made history as the first batch to be fully commissioned as police lieutenants of the Philippine National Police (PNP), following the full implementation of Republic Act 11279 — a law placing the PNPA directly under the PNP and ending the practice of assigning graduates to the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.
As they entered the police force, Marcos warned the graduates about the temptations and misdirections they may face, which could test their dignity and true purpose in serving.
“Always take [into] heart your oath to our Republic. Your duty to uphold and defend the Constitution. Your responsibility to the citizens of our country,” Marcos also said.
Moreover, the president reminded the new officers that the country will never ask them to be “perfect,” but to be present in making people feel the presence of the law.
“Your coming this far tells me and the entire Filipino nation that you are ready and that you are prepared. Congratulations to all of you!” said Marcos.
During the ceremony, the PNPA cadet corps held a parade and review to honor Marcos and the graduating class.
The class name “Sinaglawin” came from the Tagalog words sinag (ray of light) and lawin (hawk).
It reflects the cadets’ mission to be watchful, brave, and full of hope as future leaders in public safety.
