Mass resignation ‘not sour-graping’

CEBU, Philippines - A former Mandaue City College dean has denied that the mass resignation they staged against school president Dr. Paulus Mariae Cañete was out of "sour-graping."

In an e-mailed statement to The FREEMAN, Dr. Emedio Bustillo claimed that before he and four other school officials resigned last week, there was a manifesto and petition signed by 12 officials and staff of the Cañete-run MCC, underscoring some suggestions.

These suggestions included, among others, that for all offered subjects, collection of financial contributions, field trips, T-shirt design and printing and other activities shall be approved by the respective deans and may be reversed by the president. The purpose was to delineate respective responsibilities.

In addition, the manifesto said there shall be no overlapping of duties and responsibilities as to extension classes, etcetera, except when duly authorized by the college president.

Likewise, in travelling for Oral Revalida, proper accommodation shall be afforded to MCC teachers and officials and they shall be properly notified within a reasonable time for them to prepare.

The manifesto also provided that Cañete's secretary must also enjoy the same privilege as ordinary panel members and that lastly, travel allowances shall be communicated properly whether approved or denied so travelling official can find for other means.

"Is that mass resignation, sour-graping? For us, the above-mentioned suggestions are valid execution of a management function. We did not dictate him as he wanted to impress upon the public," said Bustillo who used to be the dean of the College of Business Administration.

Apart from this, Bustillo also countered Cañete's alleged prior statement that their appointment was "doubtful and not clear."

"He (Cañete) signed the appointment designating me as the dean in HRTSM and College of Business Administration. Together with Dr. Nelson Ducay, (I) took our oath of office before Fr. Ben Iharis. Dili ba kana klaro?" Bustillo said.

"The appointment is unmistakably clear, unless he also doubts his authority to sign an appointment," Bustillo concluded.

Last Friday, Bustillo; Dr. Benjamin Luague, dean of Arts and Sciences; Dr. Nelson Ducay, dean of Criminology; Professor Jefbec Coco, legal affairs director; and Professor Luz Batobalonos withdrew their support from Cañete in a mass resignation.

Cañete had earlier reasoned that the school could not give what it was not capable of giving, adding that "they should not dictate (him) because their job is more on the academics and not on administration."

Cañete said the officials who resigned only got their posts because of friendship and not because of their ability to discharge their functions. — (FREEMAN)