'No crisis,' university exec says as in-house CPU 'battle' draws worldwide responses
Officially a crisis or not, the issues hounding the once-united community of the Central Philippine University (CPU) here has drawn into the fray distinguished Ilonggos based abroad.
With the presidency at the helm of the brewing controversy, the decision to come up with a three-man management team in lieu of the retention of University President Dr. Juanito Acanto has just been acknowledged as "sensitive and difficult one."
In an email furnished to The News Today (TNT), Dr. Alfonso Uy explained the Board of Trustees' move.
"We expected that what ever decision we make, there will be concerned Centralians who will be unhappy," the letter began. "The sentiments of all stakeholders, including that of our Alumni have been discussed."
According to Uy, the decision to have a new president was known to everybody as early as April 2007.
In fact, a "Search Committee" was formed where eight candidates were nominated but two declined. President Acanto was one of those nominated however he was later not included in the short list.
"It was decided to defer final decision until March 27, 2008 in a special meeting. The Board went into executive session as we were discussing sensitive matters that may affect the good names and reputations of candidates. No candidate was elected based on the criteria set by the By-laws, Board of Trustees, and the Search Committee. The Board considered (1) Extension of term (2) Management Committee, and (3) Acting President and after extensive discussions decided on the Management Committee in the best interest of CPU and to hasten the search of the New President.," the letter continued. "I reported the decision of the Board to the Corporation on March 28, 2008 and there was strong sentiment expressed in favor of retention even for short period for various reasons similar to that expressed in your letters. A resolution was passedrequesting the Board to reconsider. Twenty Seven members voted in favor, two voted against, and thirty did not vote out of a total of 59 members present."
As such, Uy wrote, "The Board in its regular meeting the following day, again in executive session, decided to extend the term of the President to July 3, 2008 with certain conditions and to activate the Management Committee effective April 1, 2008.
This solution was with both the conformity of the President and the Board.
I would like to stress the following:
1. The Board is a working Board. In its oversight function is fully aware of the performance of the President in all aspects including the good works, the strengths and the weaknesses. It is privy to information not available to others .
2. The Board decided to extend full courtesies to the President so that his leaving would be pleasant and smooth. We know President Acanto loves CPU so much and have served for so long.
3. The President agreed to become one of the candidates. It was clear that he would abide by the decision of the Committee and the Board.
4. The responsibility of electing a president belongs to the Board alone. The power of the Corporation is to confirm or reject. We have taken into consideration the views of all stakeholders but we have to decide on the basis what to us is the best for CPU.
5. The action of the Corporation is unprecedented but was accommodated to preserve harmony within the CPU family. I was asked to explain the decision of the Board. I explained that the Board cannot divulge matters discussed in an executive session that may adversely affect the good names and reputations of candidates and that it would be better for all concerned to leave it that way. I told the Corporation that as Chairman of the Board, I was taking full responsibility for its decision. My term as Corporation member expired March 31, 2008. In the election that took place during the Corporation meeting, with all humility, I was reelected for a five year term.
"Like all of you, I love CPU. I have been with CPU since 1957 starting as a freshman student. I have served the Corporation and the Board for more than 30 years. I have always considered the best interest of CPU whenmaking a suggestion or a decision. I am proud of being a part of this great Christian university and to be among alumni like you who truly love CPU. I hope you will understand and put the matter to rest so that we can move on united as always."
Another alumna wrote, "In thespirit of service,obedience and brotherhood, let us move on to those things that uplift, renew and inspire."