(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice-President Leni Robredo were on the same stage for the first time during the 38th commencement exercises of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) since the controversial impeachment issue cropped up.
Duterte and Robredo were seated side by side, albeit a bit awkwardly, on the stage during the event.
Duterte led the PNPA graduation rites of Masidlak Class of 2017 at Camp General Mariano Castañeda in Silang, Cavite on Friday, March 24.
The event also marks President Duterte’s first attendance to PNPA’s graduation ceremonies as Chief Executive and as Commander-in-Chief of the police.
“Masidlak” is the acronym for “Mandirigmang Ahon sa Silangan Ipaglalaban ang Bansang may Dangal, Layunin, at Katarungan”. The 144-member class is led by batch valedictorian, Cadet Macdum Enca from Cotabato City.
Also present are Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ismael Sueno, PNP Chief Police Director General (P/DG) Ronald Dela Rosa, and PNPA Director Police Chief Superintendent (P/CSupt.) Randolf Delfin.
Duterte will deliver his message before the 144 graduating cadets. He will hand the Presidential Kampilan award to the class valedictorian Cadet Macdum Enca, while Robredo will give the Vice Presidential Kampilan award to the second top ranking cadet Midzfar Omar.