CEBU, Philippines - Eleven law students of the University of San Jose- Recoletos yesterday issued a statement, saying they never complained of the pay they received as paralegals to Mandaue mayoralty candidate Nerissa Soon- Ruiz last May 10.
They also said they did not feel insulted with the P750 given to them for their services, as they were reportedly told from the very beginning not to expect too much financially.
“If anyone from our paralegal group (including others who were not USJ-R students) was interviewed and was the source of that article, it should be attributed to him/her only. That person does not speak for all of us, and neither should his/her sentiment, if even true, be made as a general statement to make it appear that we (paralegals) are complaining,” the statements reads.
The signatories include Jon Kristoff Navarro, Emilia Mae Galleto, Roseller Bucog, Janice Tamayo, Loida Mirasol Lanada, Fatima Nena Senido, Janine Requina, Remegio Espinosa, Dani Alforque, Alfredo Maputol and Romeo Cabantugan.
In a report that came out in The Freeman last May 25, 2010, one of Ruiz’ paralegals who requested anonymity said they were expecting to receive more than the P750 travel allowance because paralegals of other politicians reportedly received at least P8,000.
At the time the story came out, the source said other lawyers and paralegal assistants were yet to receive payment. Ruiz lost to incumbent Mandaue Mayor Jonas Cortes. (FREEMAN NEWS)