University defends registrar on unjust vexation case

ANGELES CITY , Philippines  – The Holy Angel University here disowned yesterday its former professor now facing charges of rape on 32 counts, but defended its registrar who was also charged with unjust vexation relative to the cases.

In a statement furnished to The STAR, the HAU said “we have no comment on the findings of the Department of Justice, with respect to the other respondents of the case.”

“In as far as Mr. Arnel Ocampo is concerned, he has been terminated as of March 25, 2009, immediately after the criminal complaint was filed and upon verification of accusations against him. His official relationship with the university has been terminated since then,” the official HAU statement said.

The statement stressed, however, that “our concern is with respect to our officer, Mr. Jesus Panlilio, who chaired the panel tasked with investigating the sexual harassment charges filed against Mr. Ocampo, pursuant to the provisions of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Law.” Panlilio is the university registrar.

The DOJ charged former university professor Arnel Atienza Ocampo with 32 counts of rape and HAU registrar Jesus Panlilio and professors Leandro Sanchez and Elinor Torres with unjust vexation.

“After a careful study of the records and allegations of parties, the undersigned prosecutor finds probable cause to criminally indict respondents Ocampo, Sanchez, Torres and Panlilio,” the DOJ resolution said.

Regional Trial Court Branch 59 Judge Ma. Angelica Paras-Quiambao issued yesterday warrants for the arrest of the suspects. The two arrest warrants against Ocampo included one that does not allow bail, and another that allows bail worth P250,000.

The cases were filed by the victim, Ocampo’s student who was only 16 years old when the alleged rapes happened, and by her parents in February.