DLSU exec hits lack of due process

La Salle board representative Lito Tanjuatco yesterday lambasted the UAAP decision to suspend the school for one season in the aftermath of the eligibility scandal and maintained the verdict only raised more questions than answers.

Tanjuatco said he and fellow board member Danny Jose were assured by the UAAP board that charges will be first filed and put into writing before it decides what sanctions to be slapped on the school.

"But instead of preparing and furnishing us with the list of charges (or a written complaint), the UAAP board summarily decided, declared DLSU guilty and imposed the penalty of one year suspension covering all sports," said Tanjuatco as he aired his personal view on the case in a briefing at his Pasig City office.

"Many call this treachery. I would rather focus on the following points, DLSU was denied due process, and the UAAP board’s non-compliance and non-adherence to its constitution and by-laws, specifically the provisions governing suspensions," he added.

However, UAAP spokesperson Ric Matibag said Tanjuatco and Jose were given time to state their arguments during the meeting.

"He (Tanjuatco) was present when this case was deliberated. He was given time to state their arguments. The board decided the issue based on the findings of the UAAP fact-finding committee," Matibag told The STAR.

Tanjuatco explained that instead of finally putting an end to the long-drawn-out issue, the suspension only raised more questions.

"Why can it not wait? Why can charges not first be filed? Why can’t DLSU be given the opportunity to face its accusers and refute the accusations? Was there a predisposition to suspend DLSU?" he said.

"It is not far-fetched that the UAAP decision may be assailed particularly its impartiality and even its validity," added Tanjuatco.

That basic right was in fact stipulated in Section 9, Article II of the league’s own constitution and by-laws, which states:

"Any member of the UAAP may file charges against a member university by filing a written complaint with the UAAP president. The Board shall call a special meeting to consider the charges. The affirmative vote of 3/4 of all the member universities shall be necessary to suspend and expel a member."

"We took seven months to gather relevant information and testimony from all parties. We will listen to any appeal. But a decision was due, if not overdue. Life must go on," said one league insider.

Tanjuatco also said the findings gathered by the ad-hoc committee that investigated the case were no different from the ones the Taft-based school obtained in November last year.

Fr. Ermito de Sagon, OP, of Santo Tomas chaired the committee with Josie de Leon of Far Eastern U, Arlene Royo of National U, Matibag of Adamson and league counsel Rene Maria Villa as members.

"The report did not reach a conclusion as to who are the guilty parties. It also did not specify charges against DLSU nor provide a recommendation to the UAAP board," he said.

La Salle’s findings were announced by La Salle System president Bro. Armin Luistro in a press conference last November.

La Salle admitted it "unwittingly" fielded in two players — Mark Benitez and Tim Gatchalian — with spurious admission documents during the 2004-2005 seasons.

Luistro and the 14 other La Salle Board of Trustees will meet today to decide whether or not it would appeal the suspension. Tanjuatco is also a member of the school board.