Head of Cebu campus of UP, 2 other execs ordered fired

CEBU CITY—The dean of the University of the Philippines-Cebu College (UP-Cebu College) was ordered dismissed from service for a number of offenses, among them allowing excavated materials from a construction site to be stockpiled in the campus’ football field.

The Office of the UP President found dean Enrique Avila liable for allowing Cebu Green Peaks Development Inc. to use the campus’ football field to stockpile rocks, soil and other materials dug up from a nearby construction site.

In a ruling on Aug. 26, Avila was also found liable for the use of the portions of students’ tuition for bonuses of employees.

Two campus officers were also dismissed from the service—consultant Ernesto Pineda and budget officer Alsidry Sharif.

UP vice president for legal affairs Danilo Concepcion said the three can contest the decision before the Board of Regents. If no appeal has been filed after 30 days, Concepcion said, the decision would be final and executory.

A group of UP-Cebu College students campaigning for Avila’s ouster celebrated the ruling, going on a picnic outside campus.

Kristian Jacob Lora, vice chair of the UP-Cebu College student council, said students started a campaign to oust Avila with a boodle fight. “We shall end it with a boodle fight,” he said.

The three officials have been suspended since June after 11 teachers filed a complaint against them for allegedly using portions of students’ tuition for bonuses.

Avila had denied the accusation, saying the bonuses came from savings, not from the students’ tuition. He refused to comment on the ruling to dismiss him, avoiding interviews.

The dean was also found liable for appointing Pineda as head of the campus’ bids and awards committee despite Pineda being just a consultant. The use of the football field as stockpile area for excavated materials was a recommendation of Pineda.

Avila was also found liable for the purchase of materials for renovation projects in the campus without public bidding.