[Before we begin, the troop commander you will give the order of tikas pahinga.]
Thank you to Interior and Local Government Secretary, Secretary Jonvic Remulla. [Please take your seats.]
Presidential Adviser on Military and Police Affairs Secretary Roman Felix; Philippine National Police Chief, Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil; Philippine National Police Academy Director, Police Major Christopher Birung; Cavite 5th District Representative Roy Loyola; Silang Municipal Mayor Edward E. Carranza; the officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian employees of the Philippine National Police Academy; Cadet Corps of the Philippine National Police Academy led by the “Sinaglawin” Class of 2025; my fellow workers in government; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.
Isang magandang araw sa inyong lahat!
On a sunny Tuesday like this, I feel a stillness that precedes perhaps a brewing storm. It is not a storm that brings harm, it is a storm that signals challenge.
Standing before the proud “Sinaglawin” Class of 2025, I cannot help but reflect on your achievements and the hurdles that you went through to get here.
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.
Hindi biro ang inyong pinagdaanan. Hindi rin biro ang inyong tatahakin.
As public servants, we know that the path ahead is not always easy.
There will be times when ideals and reality will seem to pull you in different directions. There will be moments that will test your principles and your convictions.
But whenever those days come and doubts creep in, remember who you are and why you chose this path.
Our country and our people continue to face trials and hardships but as law officers, you are here to help overcome those challenges through service, honor, and justice.
Hindi kaila sa inyo ang maraming hamon na kinakaharap ng ating kapulisan. Mayroong mga kasapi nito ang naligaw ng landas at nakalimot sa sinumpaang tungkulin.
Gayunpaman, buo ang aking pananalig sa galing, dedikasyon, at kakayahan ng ating Pambansang Kapulisan na linisin, pagtibayin, at patatagin ang propesyonalismo sa hanay nito.
Kayo, Sinaglawin Class of 2025, ang magdudulot ng pagbabago at magdadala ng pag-asa sa ating kapulisan.
Gampanan ninyo ang tungkuling ito ng buong katapatan at katapangan. Ang Diyos at bansang Pilipino ay kaagapay ninyo sa landasing ito.
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.
Remember why you are part of this class called Sinaglawin—Simbolo at Instrumento Na Gagabay Tungo sa Lideratong Angkop at Wasto Para sa Inang Bayan.
Kayong lahat, 206 na mga bagong miyembro ng kapulisan. Sinasagisag ninyo ang liwanag.
But the light that this country needs is every day requirement of our citizens.
Your acts make the system. You shape the system with your restraint, with your dignity, and your service.
Sa mundo natin ngayon, madalas pinagtatalunan ang katotohanan at madaling maligaw ang katapatan, hinihiling ko sa inyo: Piliin ang marangal kahit walang parangal at ang paninindigan na tama kahit walang nakakakita.
My dear officers, this country will never ask you to be perfect. But it will ask you to be present. Be there. Let our people feel your presence. Feel the presence of their law enforcers. Feel the presence of the law.
To the families of the graduates: maraming, maraming, maraming salamat sa inyo. You have raised these men and women with love and with patience. And now you share them with our country.
Hindi matatawaran ang sakripisyo ninyo.
To the mentors, the trainers, and commanders of the Academy, thank you for shaping them as dutiful officers and, more importantly, as citizens of conscience.
So, to the “Sinaglawin” Class of 2025, this is your chance to make a difference.
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!
Maraming salamat. Mabuhay ang “Sinaglawin” Class of 2025!
Mabuhay ang PNPA!
Mabuhay ang Bagong Pilipinas! [applause]
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