JVR lets go of Cañete, still wants Bacaltos out

HOLDING ON. Ritchel Bacaltos acting president Talisay City College shows the City Council a resolution recognizing him as school head.

Talisay City Mayor Johnny V. delos Reyes will let go of Dr. Paulus Cañete, whose appointment as Talisay City College (TCC) president is being legally questioned.

The development however, doesn’t mean Richel Bacaltos, the acting president recognized by the the TCC board of trustees and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), will finally have a peaceful term as the school’s head.

Delos Reyes is now pushing for the reinstatement of Dr. Tomas Ramos, as TCC president.

Delos Reyes told CDN that the Civil Service Commission has ordered the reinstatement of Ramos last Nov. 5, 2013. “Akong sundon na karon ang decision sa Civil Service Commission kay matud pa nila illegal ang pag tang-tang ni Ramos sauna,” he added. (I’d like to follow that order of the CSC which said Ramos’ suspension was illegal.) Ramos was suspended in 2013 because of his alleged failure to liquidate funds worth P10 million.

When asked if his decision is final, delos Reyes said, “Padaplin na sila. Dili na siya unfair kay mao jud na siya ang decision.” (Bacaltos and Cañete must step aside. This is not unfair because that’s the decision of the CSC.)

De los Reyes earlier issued an executive order appointing Cañete to replace Bacaltos. But Bacaltos, in an interview yesterday, said Ramos’ contract with TCC already expired last June 30.

“The decision in appointing the president is with the Board of Trustees (BOT). The reinstatement matter can’t be found in the city ordinance,” Bacaltos added.

Delos Reyes asked his secretary yesterday to set a meeting with the BOT to discuss the reinstatement of Ramos.

Bacaltos on the other hand is glad that delos Reyes is setting the meeting.

He hopes the mayor will attend for the issue to end.