Crisis in CPU
Will the real president please stand up?
Acanto
Such is now the question that hounds the administration of the Central Philippine University (CPU) and the whole CPU community worldwide. CPU stands as one of the oldest universities in the country, one of the most prestigious in Iloilo with assets believed to be at least P4 billion.
This, as the CPU administration has been rocked by controversies relative to the election of its new university president.
To date, highly-respected Dr. Juanito Acanto, outgoing CPU president, and allies are in a quandary with matters on his presidency facing 'in-house' attacks.
The News Today (TNT) in a report gathered a brewing power struggle that pushed Acanto on the sidewalk. Three 'surprising' presidentiables came out – Dr. Riza Amaguin, former principal of the Iloilo National High School, Lily Ann Baldago of the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) and Dr. Mervyn Misajon, former President of Silliman University.
As per provisions of the university's Constitution and By-Laws, the President's term is on a five-year term subject to renewal. Acanto began his stint in 1998 and renewed in 2003. He was instrumental in numerous accomplishments of the CPU academe and hailed by colleagues as "one of the most respectable Presidents CPU ever had."
In an election last December 7, 2007, initial names of ten nominees came out including Acanto. No one was able to get the prescribed 10 votes mandated by the CPU Constitution to seal the nomination. It would have been "back to zero" thereafter however for some unexplained reasons, the "top" three nominees instead were included in the "final shortlist" of candidates for President.
Another election was then set last Thursday, March 27th where CPU insiders told TNT that Amaguin only got 3 votes, Misajon only got 2 while Baldago failed to get any votes at all.
The matter was then taken up by the Board of Trustees that same day composed of 15 members however only 11 were present.
Again, for unexplained reasons, the Board decided to decide among two choices – retain Acanto in a hold-over capacity till a new President will be duly selected or form a 3-man management team. In a vote of 6-5, majority for management team won which was then forwarded to the CPU Corporation for confirmation.
The CPU Corporation is composed of 65 members representing the entire CPU community, locally and worldwide.
A significant majority votes then cast dismissed the 3-man management team and instead opted for Acanto's retention as President until a duly elected replacement will be made.
Come Saturday, the Board of Trustees stood pat on its decision – it is "bye-bye" for Acanto and the 3-man management team must take-over.
Literally speaking though, Acanto is still present albeit his status alongside powers as President has been 'clipped.'
The 3-man management team is composed of Dr. Agustin Pulido as chair, Engineer Alfredo Mombay and Dr. Andresito Millamena.
"A very sad turn of events for CPU with all the legacy of excellence and dignity it is known for. A really sad day for us all," said one longtime CPU official who requested anonymity.