UP allows 4 students to pay late, file for graduation

MANILA, Philippines - The administration of University of the Philippines (UP) in Manila has allowed its four senior political science students to settle their financial obligations and attend graduation.

Former student regent Cleve Arguelles, one of the four students, said in a message to The STAR late Tuesday that they were allowed to pay late and file for graduation.

“Although we are happy, we will continue to call for the repeal of the (no late tuition) policy as this might still affect other students in the future,” said Arguelles.

Earlier, the UP Manila administration did not allow Arguelles, Christian Durana and two other students to settle their financial obligations after failing to meet the deadline for payment.

“[They said] it will violate the no late payment policy and our case might also set a precedent for other students,” said Arguelles, who had an outstanding balance of around P15,000.

UP Vice President for Public Affairs Prospero De Vera was quoted as saying in a report that “UP Manila Chancellor (Manuel Agulto) is already addressing the issue upon the advice of UP President (Alfredo) Pascual and decisions will be made in the next few days.”

Meanwhile, Senator Pia Cayetano – a member of the UP Board of Regents, the highest policy-making body of the university – said in a post on her Facebook account that the issue has already been brought to the attention of the BOR.

“The President informed the board on the action he took to ensure that the students can take their exams. This was fully supported by the board,” said Cayetano.

“In addition, I manifested that the President should ensure that all the college deans and administrative officers should be aware of the Board's policy to ensure that a student's right to complete his academic requirements should not be hampered by their financial constraints,” she added, stressing that the administration should exhaust all means to assist students in similar situations.