Two presidents, two diplomas for Talisay City College graduates?

Candidates for graduation of the Talisay City College (TCC) are caught between two persons claiming to be the legitimate occupant of the school’s presidency.

As the college starts preparing for its annual commencement exercises on April 11, speculations are rife that the graduates will be handed two sets of diplomas signed by Paulus Maria Cañete and Richel Bacaltos.

Cañete was appointed TCC president by  Talisay City Mayor Johnny V. Delos Reyes to replace Bacaltos, who has been defying his removal from office.

Both Cañete and Bacaltos have asked graduating students to see him for their concerns. Cañete said that because he was appointed by Talisay City Mayor Johnny de los Reyes to run the TCC, the students must approach him for the signing of their transcript of records.

Bacaltos said Cañete must observe a “status quo” because the petition he filed against the Mayor Delos Reyes before the court has not been resolved.

“Nagsige nalang ko ug balik-balik ani nga kung ang BOT ang muingon nga pahawa nako sa TCC dili ko magpaugat oi,” Baaltos said. (I have since been repeating this. I will not hold on to my position if the board of trustees decides to let me go.)

Cañete , said that Bacaltos is still welcome to attend the graduation rites and he does not mind if Bacaltos produces his own diploma. Bacaltos earlier filed a petition for permanent injunction against Cañete and De los Reyes. He also urged students to continue recognizing him as the acting president until the court or the college’s board of trustees replaces him. Bacaltos also advised Cañete and De los Reyes to convene the board to resolve the issue. Bacaltos was appointed acting president by ex-mayor Socrates Fernandez.

He served as Fernandez’s administrator.

Cañete heads the breakaway Mandaue City College.