Vice President Sara Duterte on Saturday urged the graduates of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) to be an instrument of truth not of abuse and traitorship against the Filipino people.

In her congratulatory message for the PMA "Siklab-Laya" Class of 2025, Duterte said she trusts that the PMA graduates "will continue to personify the virtues that shaped your military education and enabled you to become commendable cadets with courage, integrity, and loyalty to your noble path of duty."

"You have chosen the life of selfless service that only the brave, the courageous, and the real patriot would choose ? demonstrating strength, integrity, and honor before a nation seeking to overcome institutional abuse of power and extreme inequalities impacting mostly the poor. May you will always be an instrument of kindness, righteousness, truth and true change in the lives of the Filipinos who continue to dream, work hard and are hoping for success,"

"May you not be an instrument of abuse, traitorship and oppression by those who are in power to our fellow Filipinos, who like you are courageously standing for the kindness, righteousness, truth and success of the Filipinos," she added.

Duterte also called for the PMA graduates to keep their fervor "burning and continue building a bright future" and to "stand as a beacon of hope and strength to our hopeful nation" noting the "hurdle and challenge in these times of uncertainty."

"May you always strive to restore and uphold the values of an independent, non-partisan and professional institution. One, whose sole duty is to defend the constitution. May you never yield to the greed for material gain, political pressure, or foreign influence," she said.

The PMA commencement exercises that was led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was also attended by Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to the Philippines His Excellency Miguel Utray Delgado, Defense Secretary, Gilbert Teodoro and government and military officials including Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner, Philippine National Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil; Philippine Coast Guard Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan; PMA Superintendent Vice Admiral Caesar Bernard Valencia and others.

In his speech, Marcos expressed that as Commander-in-Chief, "I am impressed by your perseverance, strength of will, and dedication to reach this point."

"We all know your path was not easy. Four years of discipline, training, hard work, and I am sure?some nights of self-doubt, wondering if this was the right choice. But you did not give up. And now, you are here, ready to serve the country as new officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines," he said.

However, Marcos emphasized that "the most important lesson you carry is the understanding that warfare today goes beyond land, seas, and skies."

"We have battles that are invisible to radar?ones that take place in cyberspace, in protecting information, in safeguarding the environment, and in helping communities during crises. So physical strength and agility are no longer enough. What we need just as much?are your mental sharpness and your compassion," the President said.

Marcos also recognized the 54 women among the total of 266 cadets who graduated on Saturday. He noted that the female cadets of the PMA is a proof that "bravery, intelligence and excellence is not determined by gender".

"I hope more women will join the military. May you become an inspiration to every young girl who are dreaming to have an important contribution to our country," he said. Robina Asido/DMS