QC says mulling legal action vs Bestlink over off-campus activity mess
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QC says mulling legal action vs Bestlink over off-campus activity mess
ABS-CBN News
Published Feb 05, 2025 12:10 PM PHT
The façade of the Bestlink College of the Philippines. Job Manahan, ABS-CBN News
The façade of the Bestlink College of the Philippines. Job Manahan, ABS-CBN NewsMANILA — The Quezon City government on Wednesday said it was considering legal action against Bestlink College of the Philippines for its "serious lapses" in organizing a recent off-campus activity.
MANILA — The Quezon City government on Wednesday said it was considering legal action against Bestlink College of the Philippines for its "serious lapses" in organizing a recent off-campus activity.
Viral posts on social media showed tired and hungry students walking long distances to reach their buses following the school's foundation day activity on January 26 in Hermosa, Bataan.
Viral posts on social media showed tired and hungry students walking long distances to reach their buses following the school's foundation day activity on January 26 in Hermosa, Bataan.
"The Quezon City Government is now studying legal options to hold the institution accountable," the city said in a statement, adding that it was also exploring policy reforms to regulate large student off-campus events.
"The Quezon City Government is now studying legal options to hold the institution accountable," the city said in a statement, adding that it was also exploring policy reforms to regulate large student off-campus events.
The Quezon City Council cited the school's "inadequate safety measures, lack of medical preparedness, and logistical failures that led to students being stranded for hours," the local government said.
The Quezon City Council cited the school's "inadequate safety measures, lack of medical preparedness, and logistical failures that led to students being stranded for hours," the local government said.
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Vice Mayor Gian Sotto, in the release, criticized Bestlink College for its "poor coordination with local authorities and the absence of a concrete safety plan."
Vice Mayor Gian Sotto, in the release, criticized Bestlink College for its "poor coordination with local authorities and the absence of a concrete safety plan."
He pointed out that, according to reports, only six ambulance units were available for over 25,000 attendees. This caused students to endure delays in transportation, he said.
He pointed out that, according to reports, only six ambulance units were available for over 25,000 attendees. This caused students to endure delays in transportation, he said.
The local government also cited social media posts from parents and students that detailed "instances of exhaustion, dehydration, and fainting due to the lack of proper arrangements."
The local government also cited social media posts from parents and students that detailed "instances of exhaustion, dehydration, and fainting due to the lack of proper arrangements."
School event organizers initially informed authorities on January 23 that 17,000 students would attend, the local government said, citing the provincial police.
School event organizers initially informed authorities on January 23 that 17,000 students would attend, the local government said, citing the provincial police.
It said however that the actual count of 25,000 was only confirmed a day before the event, which placed "additional strain on local resources."
It said however that the actual count of 25,000 was only confirmed a day before the event, which placed "additional strain on local resources."
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Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, also in the statement, condemned Bestlink's handling of the situation and slammed the school for branding the students' concerns as misinformation.
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, also in the statement, condemned Bestlink's handling of the situation and slammed the school for branding the students' concerns as misinformation.
"It is both irresponsible and insensitive for Bestlink College of the Philippines to dismiss students’ legitimate concerns as fake news. This incident could have been avoided had they prioritized the safety and welfare of their students," Belmonte said.
"It is both irresponsible and insensitive for Bestlink College of the Philippines to dismiss students’ legitimate concerns as fake news. This incident could have been avoided had they prioritized the safety and welfare of their students," Belmonte said.
"I urge the school administration to hold themselves accountable instead of blaming and threatening students who dared to speak up," she added.
"I urge the school administration to hold themselves accountable instead of blaming and threatening students who dared to speak up," she added.
"The Quezon City Government affirms that students and parents have the right to voice their concerns without fear of intimidation or retaliation."
"The Quezon City Government affirms that students and parents have the right to voice their concerns without fear of intimidation or retaliation."
Commission on Higher Education Executive Director Cinderella Filipina Jaro said upon initial investigation, they found out that Bestlink College of the Philippines filed no application to conduct off-campus activities.
Commission on Higher Education Executive Director Cinderella Filipina Jaro said upon initial investigation, they found out that Bestlink College of the Philippines filed no application to conduct off-campus activities.
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A CHED Memorandum Order in 2017 which highlights policies and guidelines on local off-campus activities require higher education institutions to have and meet a checklist of requirements before, during and after an off-campus activity.
A CHED Memorandum Order in 2017 which highlights policies and guidelines on local off-campus activities require higher education institutions to have and meet a checklist of requirements before, during and after an off-campus activity.
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