Congressman takes up cudgels for Cudia

MANILA - From the executive to the judiciary, dismissed Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cadet Aldrin Jeff Cudia has taken his battle to the legislative department as he went to House of Representatives to appeal for help.

Cudia found another ally in Eastern Samar Representative Emil Ong who said he believes Cudia was "treated unjustly." Rep. Ong is preparing to file a resolution to help push Cudia's cause.

Cudia and Public Attorney's Office chief Persida Acosta recently filed a petition asking the Supreme Court to order the release of Cudia's transcript of records and grant him an honorable dismissal.

Acosta said this would give Cudia a chance to return to life as a civilian and pursue his hopes of getting into law school.

The PAO chief said they are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for Cudia. After the Lower House, they also plan to visit the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines after a few bishops were said to have expressed support for Cudia.

Cudia was dismissed weeks before graduating for allegedly lying, a violation of the premier military school's Honor Code.

But Cudia's camp insists he did nothing wrong and that some members of the PMA's Honor Committee intended to boot him out of the academy because of rivalry.