CA affirms suspension of Batangas university exec

BATANGAS, Philippines - – The Court of Appeals has affirmed the decision of the Office of the Ombudsman suspending Batangas State University (BSU) president Nora Magnaye.

Magnaye’s case stemmed from a complaint filed by former BSU president Ernesto de Chavez in 2007 for alleged violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, grave misconduct and oppression.

Aside from Magnaye, also included in the complaint were BSU officials Rogelio Antenor, Leticia Macalalad and Baldomero Gutierrez.

In March 2009, the Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon found Magnaye guilty of oppression and acquitted Antenor, Macalalad and Gutierrez.

In his complaint, De Chavez, whose term as BSU president ended in April 2006, said he applied for a teaching post at the BSU Graduate School, which was approved by the Board of Regents.

However, De Chavez claimed Magnaye allegedly prevented him from entering the BSU campus and his office.

He said the BSU stopped paying his salary from June to December 2006, reportedly on orders of Magnaye.

In March 2009, the Ombudsman found Magnaye guilty of oppression and ordered her suspended.

The Ombudsman reversed its decision after Magnaye filed motions for reconsideration and ordered the Commission on Higher Education to recall the suspension order.

De Chavez appealed the reversal of Magnaye’s suspension.

The CA ruled in favor of De Chavez and affirmed Magnaye’s suspension for six months and one day starting Nov. 8 this year.

Magnaye said she was not worried by the CA decision as she could still appeal her case with the Supreme Court.

Her term as BSU president will end in July 2014.