Talisay studes to graduate twice

CEBU, Philippines - Controversy continues to hound Talisay City College as Dr. Paulus Mariae Cañete, who claimed as legitimate school president, will push through with another graduation exercises on March 31 pressing students to attend.

If everything goes according to Cañete’s plan, the March 31 graduation will be the second rites graduating TCC students will be attending, following Wednesday’s first ceremony where acting school president Ritchel Bacaltos confirmed the graduation.

Mark Gabato, along with 725 other college students, was happy last Wednesday after he graduated amid the controversy bedeviling the students, especially those who are graduating.

But Gabato was surprised when they were informed that another graduation will take place on Monday at the Talisay City Hall ground.

"Abi gyud namo og humana pero mopaso pa gyud mi karong Lunes. Naglibog gyud mi karon kay nag-practice mi sa among ikaduhang graduation," Gabato said.

Gabato said he has no problem if he will take another graduation rites on Monday.

"Mamasin nalang gyud mi ani aron naa pud mi diploma gikan sab sa pikas ug aron paghatag usab og respetar," he added.

Mayor Johnny De los Reyes yesterday confirmed that Cañete will hold his own graduation. De los Reyes said he will attend the graduation rites.

De los Reyes will not, however, sign any of the diplomas prepared by Cañete and Bacaltos because he will wait for the court decision settling the presidency issue.

Sought for reaction, Bacaltos laughed off Cañete's move saying Cañete is only giving the students false hope because he is not recognized by BOT and the Commission on Higher Education.

Bacaltos, however, will leave it up to the students whether or not to attend the graduation. (FREEMAN)