MVP resignation irrevocable

MANILA, Philippines - Businessman Manuel Pangilinan is standing pat on his decision to resign as chairman of the Ateneo de Manila University’s board of trustees.

Pangilinan said his resignation was irrevocable despite the rejection of his offer to quit by the Ateneo leadership.

Pangilinan’s resignation was triggered by the controversy over two speeches he delivered before graduating students of the university, parts of which were lifted from speeches of US President Barack Obama, talk show host Oprah Winfrey and author JK Rowling.

“Further, for the sake of completeness and of good order, I am relinquishing the honorary degree which the university has bestowed on me last 26th March,” Pangilinan added.

In a letter to Fr. Bienvenido F. Nebres, SJ, Ateneo de Manila University president, Pangilinan said he had to resign because the controversy was “creating division within the university.”

“Circumstances have continued to the point where (this issue) is creating division within the university. I have no desire to see this happen, or be an accessory to it. In that light and all things considered, it is best that I stand firm in my decision to retire, and reiterate this wish in my earlier note to you on 3rd April 2010,” Pangilinan told Nebres, apparently referring to a letter signed by over 60 university professors and staff and published online expressing opposition to the university leadership’s rejection of his offer to resign.

“Please take this letter as confirmation of my resignation from the Board of Trustees of the Ateneo with immediate effect,” Pangilinan said.

In a press briefing last Monday, Nebres said that the board of trustees wants Pangilinan to reconsider his offer to resign.

“In conclusion, the Board of Trustees asks Mr. Pangilinan to please reconsider his resignation from the Ateneo Board of Trustees. There is so much to be done, not just for the Ateneo, but for our country and people. His leadership is needed today more than ever,” Nebres said, reading from a prepared statement.

Nebres stressed that while the board considered plagiarism a serious matter, they found Pangilinan’s reaction as the appropriate response.

“This is particularly admirable, because in acting in this manner, he spared others from this responsibility. This is a rare example of humility, selflessness, and leadership in our midst,” Nebres said in his official statement.

“I am indeed grateful to the Board and to you for the kind words of support,” Pangilinan said in response, but stressed he would not reconsider his resignation.