By J. Irving with pbmza9891
In a Viber group I’m part of, members uphold the “Vow of Omerta” – what’s seen and heard stays there. However, one discussion warrants clarification to correct a misimpression that has since spilled onto Facebook.
A member expressed disappointment in Secretary Ed Año (PMA Matikas Class of 1983), accusing him of betraying PMA’s core values of Courage, Integrity, and Loyalty during the arrest of former President Duterte. The critique argued that Año’s loyalty to political masters, rather than the Constitution and the Filipino people, undermines his PMA oath. An upperclassman countered, questioning the critic’s allegiance to Duterte and being righteous. The instigator replied, “The issue is Año’s character.” Heedless of Ed’s presence …
To understand character, we look to plebehood at the PMA, where individuals are tested under pressure. Common character types that emerge include:
1. The Manipulator – Uses others to advance, often blaming them for mistakes.
2. The Survivor – Adapts quickly, distancing from peers to navigate challenges.
3. The Rebel – Resists conformity, often leading uprisings.
4. The Philosopher – Remains calm, using isolation for reflection.
5. The Broken Soul – Struggles to cope, often resigning or becoming a snitch.
6. The Reformer – Seeks redemption through service or education.
7. The Avenger – Seeks revenge against those who wronged them.
The best observer of these traits is the squad leader. One memorable moment was during a promotion interview with my Mistah, Gupix, declaring, “Sir, I am the squad leader of Cadet Undug!” which earned laughter and praise from General Narcing Abaya ’71. This is after Undug claimed that he is responsible for the capture of Commander Robot, who had been kidnapping and beheading foreign tourists.
I interviewed Ed Año’s squad leader, whom I’ll hide by referring to him as Sarge. According to Sarge, Ed, though slightly shorter than 5’4”, the required height, displayed qualities surpassing his taller classmates. He was a philosopher and reformer, traits that defined his character from a young age. They belong to Alfa Company where plebes are identified with their hair combed differently, sometimes with floor wax, and punished when the sundial is not well shined. I used to be a Bessang, a one-time name for Alfa. (Ed moved to Foxtrot after the Beast Barracks).
Sarge recounted our vow as plebe details never to repeat the harsh treatment we endured. Yet, some mistahs took it upon themselves to enforce discipline, as with a plebe dismissed for misconduct, not discreet in his homosexual tendencies. Sarge’s squad emphasized loyalty, as articulated by Elbert Hubbard: “If you work for a man, in heaven’s name work for him; speak well of him; stand by him, and the institution he represents . . . If you must vilify, condemn; resign your position; and when you are already in the outside, damn to your heart’s content, but as long as you are part of the institution do not condemn it.” A plebe knowledge to be memorized by heart.
I believe this principle guides Año’s actions. By supporting PBBM over Duterte, he upholds institutional loyalty, essential for national stability. Opposing PBBM would have made him a mole and a traitor. Intelligence work, by nature, demands secrecy, and those who expose it often have hidden agendas. Better ask the DILG Secretary Remulla.
As G6 (not the Comptroller) and Ed as G2 at the Philippine Army Headquarters, I observed Año’s sharp mind, incisive wit, and humanitarian nature. His leadership during the hunt for Kumander Parago, as 10th Div Commander, despite Duterte’s friendship with the NPA commander, demonstrated his commitment to duty over personal allegiances. Despite this, Duterte later appointed Año AFP Chief of Staff and DILG Secretary, a testament to his professionalism.
Año’s resilience through the Marawi Siege, COVID-19, and health challenges showcases his dedication. If he were a CIA agent, he’d deserve a star at Langley for his sacrifices.
I hope Año stays in his role. He’s a rare voice of sanity in the PBBM administration, embodying PMA’s core values. To the next president or any future leader, I guarantee Año will serve with the same dedication.
And to Año, amidst the Facebook bashing, your squad leader proudly declares, “I am the squad leader of Secretary Año!” With a character that embodies the PMA core values of Courage, Integrity, and Loyalty …
DISCLAIMER: the opinion expressed here is the sole opinion of the author, not by the whole PMA or the Mapitagans.
In Closing: The Mapitagans, as plebe details, produced 92 generals with three AFP Chiefs of Staff coming from their ranks, the Matikas. Five generals come from my squad …
Cyber Arnis 
AMB GEN. SIR DIVAKAR SARKAR JP KGC MISA MPSA LLM MD SJD DPSA DPM (Ambassador at Large Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United Nations):
He is a Man of Honor, Gentleman, Decorated and Dedicated Patriot and true public Servant, We are proud of Secretary Año who has uplift the welfare and safeguard the Constitution of the Philippines.
Thank you for your support to Secretary Año indeed a wise and dedicated Military Officer and decorated public servant, He was the 1st to be awarded by our Postgraduate Military Academy (Accredited by Migration and Home Affairs, European Commission) The Degree of Ph.D in National Security Honorary Degree
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Edgar Punay ‘80/‘81:
I know him personally since cadet days and worked with him even after when I left the service.
You can’t help but admire this man as a cadet, an officer, a father and as a public servant. I am proud of him and I value the opportunity and it’s always an honor to have worked with him.
To me he always lives up to our alma mater’s motto: courage, integrity, loyalty.
God bless you, General Eduardo Ano!
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Boyet aka Robert Molina:
An excellent overview written by an Immaculate (Cadet 1CL Efren Ochi Yebra ‘80) about his Plebe (4Cl Cadet Eduardo Manahan Año ‘83).
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Tolosa Daniel-Eleanor:
As NSA his duty was to monitor PRRD and the current situation and inform the Commander in Chief, unluckily he is working with PBBM so what can we expect. I can say that my Mistah Ed is loyal to the institution that he currently represent he still have with him the motto COURAGE, INTEGRITY & LOYALTY.
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Col Bob Rocio:
Anong gusto mong i-comment ko Hermie Kay Ed, klasmeyt ko sa CGSC at nr 1 namin. Matulungin simple lang at di mayabang.
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From another chat grp:
AÑO: A BIG DISAPPOINTMENT
The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) upholds the core values of Courage, Integrity, and Loyalty, yet Eduardo Año has betrayed these principles. His questionable loyalty to political masters, rather than to the Constitution and the Filipino people, undermines his oath as a PMA graduate. His actions have brought shame to the academy, his fellow cavaliers, and his family.
As National Security Adviser, Año’s claim of being unaware of ICC investigators’ activities in the Philippines is simply unbelievable. This raises serious concerns about his competence and the effectiveness of the country’s intelligence operations, especially given the ₱250 million Confidential and Intelligence Fund (CIF) under his office. How can the NSA fail to detect foreign agents operating within national territory?
He is either grossly incompetent or deliberately lying. His continued presence in office is an insult to the PMA’s ideals. If he has any self-respect or delicadeza, he should resign immediately. Otherwise, his mistahs should disown him for dishonoring their alma mater.
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From Ome:
Hi Jess, politics aside, Ed Año was our plebe in Foxtrot. What he lacks in height is aptly compensated by his good attitude, aptitude and determination. We let him hang on our company room door sill during tatoo, to stretch his limbs haha! Despite his size, he stands taller than his mistahs in terms of his attitude, intelligence and the willingness to help his mistah who are deficient in Academics. Pang baron namin ni Dante Costes yan, kaya lang maliit siya.😁 I totally agree with your insight. 👍 a trully professional soldier. Met him lately, and we were reminiscing his plebe hood days. He contracted covid 3 or 4 times and had a by pass during his stint as DILG and Covid Czar. But his professionalism to the service kept him going. Big salute to the small guy.
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Raffy Parayno: This piece provides a compelling defense of Secretary Ed Año’s character, leadership, and adherence to PMA’s core values amid criticisms from certain quarters. It blends personal experiences, historical context, and military traditions to frame Año’s choices as consistent with his professional and moral commitments.
The argument hinges on the principle of institutional loyalty, emphasizing that Año’s alignment with the Marcos administration over former President Duterte does not constitute betrayal but rather a continuation of his duty to the Republic. The reference to Elbert Hubbard’s philosophy on loyalty strengthens this position, suggesting that criticism should come only after one has stepped away from an institution, not while serving it.
Moreover, the analysis of character types from plebehood at PMA is an insightful way to contextualize Año’s leadership traits. His classification as a philosopher and reformer aligns with the assertion that his decisions are guided by deep thought and a commitment to institutional stability rather than personal ambition or political maneuvering.
The writer’s personal observations of Año, particularly during key military and national crises—such as the Marawi Siege and the COVID-19 pandemic—underscore his strategic mind and unwavering dedication to public service. The anecdote about his intelligence work and the mention of a hypothetical CIA star at Langley further reinforce the idea that Año operates with a high level of professionalism and sacrifice.
Key Takeaways:
1. Año’s loyalty is to the institution and the Republic, not political figures.
2. His leadership is shaped by deep-seated PMA values, particularly Courage, Integrity, and Loyalty.
3. His career trajectory—from military intelligence to national security and governance—demonstrates adaptability and commitment to duty over personal allegiances.
4. Criticism of Año should be viewed through the lens of strategic decision-making rather than personal betrayal.
Ultimately, this essay serves as both a tribute and a defense, portraying Año as a steadfast leader whose decisions are grounded in service rather than politics. It is an invitation to understand the complexities of leadership, loyalty, and national service beyond personal or partisan biases.
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