MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang is not involved in the controversial case of Cadet First Class Aldrin Jeff Cudia, who was expelled days before graduation for allegedly lying about why he was two minutes late for class. At least for now.

On Wednesday, March 12, a day after the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) announced its decision to uphold the decision of the honors committee to dismiss the cadet for violating the honor code, the Palace said there have been no discussions with President Benigno Aquino III on Cudia. (READ: Cudia not graduating)

“We have not discussed the situation of Cadet Cudia… he has not stated anything,” said Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda.

Lacierda also said the Palace has not received a request from the cadet’s family for a meeting with Aquino. Nor could it confirm whether the PMA submitted its report to the President.

“I inquired with the Private Office also, there was no request for a meeting. I think maybe this is a unilateral decision,” he said.

Lacierda added, “We will check if there’s a report. Because I understand it was a list of graduates that was submitted to the Office of the President. I’m not sure if there was also a report.”

Aquino is the only one who can reverse the decision. (READ: Did Cadet Cudia lie? Document shows details) 

Former PMA superintendent Vice Admiral Edgar Abogado already signed in February the separation order of Cudia following a decision by the PMA honor committee – a body composed entirely of students – to declare him guilty of violating the academy honor code when he supposedly lied about the reason he was late in one class.

Armed Forces chief General Emmanuel Bautista ordered a re-investigation, following public outcry when Cudia’s family took their protest to social media. His appeal was rejected.

Questioning the Honor Code

Lacierda was careful with his words when asked about the issue, saying it was not fair for Malacañang to comment on whether the Honor Code should be revisited. Ultimately, he refused to comment, arguing it was more appropriate for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to respond.

“It’s a different environment and I’d rather the PMA answer that question as well as the AFP,” he said. “It’s a culture embedded within the PMA and so I will leave it at that. It’s better for the military to speak on that.” (Read: VIRAL: PMA alumni post cadet photos on Facebook)

“I have spoken to a number of military officials. They believe that the Honor Code should be observed,” he added.

The Cudia case put on the spotlight the PMA honor system and the academy’s secretive nature.

Cadets are dedicated to the Honor Code in a way that, PMA alumni said, “civilians will never understand,” because they did not go through the strict standards set by the academy for future officers of the military.

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is now investigating the honor code. The CHR wants to know if the system has to be fixed to make training in the academy better suited for an organization that submits to civilian authority. (WATCH: Video: CHR probes PMA cadet dismissal, examines honor system) – Rappler.com