More scholars enrolling in ACT despite payment dispute

Rochelle Espanola, one of several Cebu City Hall scholars enrolled at Asian College Technology International Educational Foundation (ACT), voices her frustration over City Hall’s refusal to pay their tuition vouchers. (CDN Photo/Tonee Despojo)

Over a thousand scholars chose to study at the Asian College of Technology International Educational Foundation, Inc. (ACTIEF) despite the ongoing dispute  between the school and Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama over unpaid scholarship vouchers.

ACTIEF lawyer Pelagio Lawrence Cuison yesterday said the city has 200 new scholars who enrolled for the incoming school year.

He said they will join about a thousand other scholars of the city government who decided to continue studying at ACTIEF.

Cuison said the city government, upon Rama’s instructions, refused to pay for the tuition of the scholars enrolled at ACTIEF since 2013.

The unpaid tuition  has  amounted to P136.92 million.

Legal remedies

However, he said the school is confident that they will win in the lawsuit they filed against the mayor last Friday.

“We have a strong case. We’re hoping to get a favorable ruling from the court,” Cuison said.

Asked how long  the  school would accept scholars from the city government despite City Hall’s nonpayment,  Cuison could not give a definite answer.

“That will be a business decision already. For now, we’re taking  all legal remedies and actions (to compel the city government to pay for the scholars’ tuition),” the Makati-based lawyer said.

Last Friday, ACTIEF sought the court’s intervention to compel Mayor Rama to continue and enforce the city’s scholarship program with the private school.

Restraining order

In a civil case for mandamus, the school, along with two of its scholars and two parents, asked the Regional Trial Court in Cebu City to command the mayor to perform his “legal, mandatory, and ministerial obligations” to city scholars in the school, including the payment of their tuition.

ACTIEF asked the court to issue a temporary restraining order and an injunction to prevent Rama from excluding the school in its scholarship program.

It also asked the court to stop the mayor from advising city scholars not to enroll in the school.

The Cebu City government earlier expressed apprehension about paying ACT after the Ombudsman-Visayas found the school’s founder, Rep. Rodrigo Abellanosa of Cebu City’s south district guilty of grave misconduct over a conflict of interest.

The charges stemmed from his involvement in the city’s scholarship program that benefited two schools he owns since he served as city councilor in 2010.

Shares

Abellanosa, who served as president and trustee of  both schools ACT and ACTIEF  was ordered dismissed from public service  in 2014.

He remains in public office while contesting the decision of the anti-graft office.

Cuison said Abellanosa’s case should not affect the city government’s scholarship program with ACTIEF, especially after the congressman divested his shares in the school.

“Congressman Abellanosa is no longer with ACTIEF. Although he is the school’s founder, he longer participates in operating the school,” he said.

Cuison reiterated the school’s appeal for the city government to pay the tuition of scholars enrolled at ACTIEF.

“I believe the payment is ready. It just lacks the approval of Mayor Rama. Please pay up. Remember, these scholars have rights too,” he said.