CEBU, Philippines - Mayor Johnny De los Reyes did not appear at yesterday's Talisay City College commencement exercises, a first in seven years that a mayor and school's board chairman gave the occasion a cold shoulder.
But the mayor quickly denied that he ignored the event saying it would be awkward for him to attend because when he received an invitation from acting city college president Ritchel Bacaltos, his name was not allegedly on the program.
"Moadto unta ko aron ipakita nako nila nga sinsero ko pero pagdawat nako sa invitation, wala man nalakip akong ngalan sa program," said De los Reyes.
De los Reyes was in his office at the City Hall when the graduation rites took place at the Tabunok Sports Complex yesterday afternoon.
De los Reyes also said that even if he attended the graduation, he felt he won't be welcome. The big tarpaulin in front of the sports complex welcomed former Cebu congressman Eduardo Gullas, the father of Talisay City College.
"Nasagmuyo lang gyud ko," the mayor said, adding that courtesy should be accorded to his office considering that he is the chairman of the TCC Board of Trustees.
Bacaltos' confirmation of the graduates yesterday solicited applause from the audience. However, Bacaltos did not deliver a speech.
Last week, majority of the BOT members reaffirmed Bacaltos' appointment and set aside the executive order issued by De los Reyes appointing Dr. Paulus Mariae Cañete as TCC officer-in-charge.
Also in attendance during the graduation were first district Representative Gerald Anthony "Samsam" Gullas, City Councilors Edward Alesna, Francis Aznar, Doroteo Emit, Danilo Caballero, City School’s Superintendent Woodrow Denuyo, former vice mayor and now Talisay City Chamber of Commerce President Alan Bucao and former congressman Eduardo Gullas.
In his speech, Samsam did not include a trace of politics. He told graduates of the importance of education.
Former congressman Gullas, in a separate interview, said that nobody can question the legitimacy of Bacaltos to confirm the graduates.
"The acknowledgement of Ritchel as school president is valid; wala na'y angayang kabalak-an ang mga estudyante from the CHED," the former legislator said.
Bacaltos without a doctorate degree has earlier earned the disproval of Cañete but the former congressman cited that there are universities and colleges whose presidents are not holders of doctorate degree. (FREEMAN)