School official's actions fair

MANILA, Philippines – I would like to call your attention to the column written by Mr. Federico D. Pascual Jr. yesterday (Thursday) July 9, 2009, particularly on the last paragraph of the segment narrating the incident involving some Ateneo law students which states:

“The family of the victim is disturbed by reports that the Ateneo’s associate dean of student affairs was seen visiting at the police office not the victim but the suspects. The family said this smacks of partisanship and deplored it as unchristian act.”

In light of your responsibility to report factual and truthful information may I categorically state that I went to the 7th floor of Makati Medical Center to visit the victim, Don Albert Pangcog, on the very same day I saw one of the suspects at the police office. I have in fact requested the permission of Atty. Alberto L. Pangcog, the victim’s father, in the presence of his other son, to visit Don Albert. Upon getting his consent, I proceeded to the hospital where I was met by two women, one of whom I assumed may have been Mrs. Pangcog, who were attending to him that night. I did not bother to wake him up noticing that he was in deep sleep.

The Law School has assured the parents of the victim and the respondents allegedly involved in the incident that it will act in the most expeditious, fair and transparent manner in resolving the case. I have asked for their full cooperation during the conduct of our own administrative proceedings and they have responded positively as shown by the events the past few days.

It is in this light that I seek your own cooperation to deliver accurate and fair reporting on any matter related to the incident.

Therefore, I respectfully request that the necessary correction be made in this regard in order to protect my name and above all the integrity of Ateneo Law School, including the proceedings which will be conducted by the Disciplinary Panel. — SEDFREY M. CANDELARIA, Office of the Associate Dean for Student Affairs, Ateneo de Manila University Law School