Truth Restoration and Fact-Finding Rights Act (The Cudia Law) (Proposed)

The right to education, due process, and human dignity are enshrined in the 1987 Philippine Constitution. Yet in 2014, Cadet First Class Aldrin Jeff Cudia, despite completing his academic requirements at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and ranking among the top of his class, was dismissed for allegedly violating the Honor Code. He was denied his diploma and Transcript of Records, thus preventing him from pursuing further education and a legal career - even after passing the UP College of Law entrance exam.

What makes this case historically significant is that it was resolved directly by the Supreme Court, without trial-level fact-finding or the benefit of a full court hearing with both prosecution and defense presenting evidence. The Supreme Court upheld the dismissal on procedural grounds, while the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) concluded that Cudia’s rights had been violated. However, the CHR’s recommendation carried no legal weight, and justice was never restored.

The proposed Truth Restoration and Fact-Finding Rights Act, informally known as the The Cudia Law, seeks to address this gap in our legal system by allowing individuals - especially dismissed students, or professionals - to file a truth-seeking petition before a Regional Trial Court, even after a final decision by the Supreme Court, if no factual trial ever took place. This petition enables both parties to present evidence under court-supervised proceedings. It does not reverse the Supreme Court’s decision but creates a judicial record of truth, clearing one’s name, and potentially restoring lost opportunities such as education, employment, or moral standing.

This law is the first of its kind in the world - a peaceful, constitutional remedy to restore truth and dignity where institutional processes may have fallen short. It is a legacy inspired by the courage and injustice endured by Aldrin Jeff Cudia.