Cañete's call to access school records denied

CEBU, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman has denied the request of appointed Talisay City College president Dr. Paulus Mariae Cañete seeking the agency to turn over the school records to him from acting president Ritchel Bacaltos.

In a conference called by the Ombudsman through graft investigator Emily Rosal last Friday at the Public Assistance and Corruption Prevention Office, Rosal immediately denied Cañete's request citing that the jurisdiction is already in the court.

Rosal also pointed out that she sought the opinion from the Commission on Higher Education regarding the issue of the legitimacy of the school presidency.

The meeting was confirmed by Bacaltos saying he received an invitation from the Ombudsman. Cañete and Dr. Edgar Martinez, the dean of instruction and discipline of the school, also received their respective notices.

"Nalipay ko sa results sa among conference kay misulti man gyud si Dr. Rosal nga she cannot direct me to turn over the papers and school records because the jurisdiction is now pending in the court and because of the latest decision from the Board of Trustees recognizing my appointment as officer in charge of the Talisay City College," Bacaltos said.

Bacaltos said he was appointed as acting college president last June 5, 2013 pursuant to Ordinance 2008-11.

On February 3 this year, De los Reyes illegally issued the executive order appointing Cañete as acting president, according to Bacaltos.

Bacaltos said Cañete was illegally appointed and is unlawfully holding the post as the school officer-in-charge.

"They ask for an assistance kay akong pagtuo naghinangat man gud to ang graduation. Maglisod sila og distinguish kung kinsa ang mo-graduate, ang mga honor students pero at least gi-deny gyud sa Ombudsman sa among conference ang ilang request," Bacaltos added. (FREEMAN)