#NEWS: Developments about #BOTtledUp released through media outlets.
May 29, 2019 — Despite their promise to release an official statement last May 27, the Board of Trustees (BoT) has not made any official announcements regarding their decision.
However, multiple news agencies reported that the BoT had come to a conclusion yesterday, the night before the scheduled graduation. While the agencies have reported on the decision of the BoT, no official statement has been made directly to the public or the student body.
According to GMA News, BoT Chairman Sec. Fortunato Dela Peña said in a text message to ABS-CBN that: “None of them will march. Three will get diplomas while 3 will get certificates of completion only — but only after requirements that are part of penalty are completed or served.”
By receiving diplomas, the students will be recognized as Philippine Science High School scholars; and by receiving Certificates of Completion, they will only be recognized as high school graduates.
As reported by Rappler:
“Several PSHS insiders confirmed this to Rappler on Tuesday night, hours before the graduation ceremonies scheduled for May 29.
‘They will not be here tomorrow,’ one source said.
‘The 6 of them will not march,’ another added.”
The issue has sparked multiple movements, the most recent one being last May 27, held at the Office of the Executive Director. See — #NEWS: Updates regarding #BOTtledUp expected today at 5 P.M.
Many organizations have also condemned the Board of Trustees initial decision to allow the offenders to graduate.
Alumni from Batch ’69 appealed personally to the Board of Trustees to “hold in abeyance the graduation hold in abeyance the graduation of the accused students to give sufficient time for the various issues on this matter to be aired, clarified and settled.”
The paper also stated: “Why is the charge only for “voyeurism”? It seems that widely distributing naked pictures of ex-girlfriends shows malice and ill-intent beyond that of simple voyeurism.”
The alumni have yet to hear back, along with the rest of the Pisay community. Despite all of these developments, the BoT has yet to make a public statement.
