CHED Region 7 Forum

May 5, 2014
Diplomat Hotel
Cebu, City, Philippines 6000

Hosted by: SWU-MHAM SC 14-15
CHED Panel: Dr. Josefino Ronquillo CHED 7 Education Supervisor II
Atty. Pacita Isugan CHED Chief Administrative Officer

Time started: 09:50 am
Time Ended: 11:58

Disclaimer:
- Not all statements are worded verbatim
- Dr. Arlene Diaz and Dr. Lariba were requested by CHED to sit with the panel and give an
overview of the situation
- SWU-MHAM CM hosted the forum in cooperation with CHED region 7

Minutes of the Forum:
Forum started with an Opening Prayer lead by Lou Llanes at 09:50am.
Opening remarks by Kenneth Nonesa

Overview of the College by Dr. Arlene Diaz:
- The forum was called for not by the SWU-MHAMCM but by the Student Council
- After the TRO was released, the MHAMCM Registrar and Deans office was ransacked and
vandalized
- The students records were taken, even after the issuance of the TRO
- MHAMCM office is now at CAP building. After the vandalism, MHAMCM filed a permanent
injunction which will be released today May 05, 2014
- Administrative charges were filed with CHED last Thursday directed toward CHED Central
Office addressed to Dr. Patricia Licuanan for SWU violations against the students.
Sir Lariba continued:
- Criminal charges of robbery have been filed against Dr. Peter Aznar and SWU Administration
- CMO#40 and CMO#10 which are the policies, standards and guidelines for medical education
have been violated
- MHAM has no other intention other than to protect the rights of the students thereby
resulting for the filing of the charges.
- There was a hearing in branch 11 where the students requested their records. The SWU
president said that the records are just there, which is evidence that they (SWU president) have
the records.
Tristan Labitan opened the open forum for the students and parents.

Ace Coloma, Intern directed his question to CHED: Am I right to say that CHEDs function is
authorized to give the degree of medicine? (YES), while CHED manila has authorized SWU?



Answer by Atty Isugan:
- No higher institution can operate with authorization by CHED. So programs prior to 1994, is
now taken over by CHED who has jurisdiction over all higher education institution private or
public including all degrees issued including the medical program
- SWUMHAM was granted to SWU colleges, in 1970 that all medical programs should be handled
by a non-stock organization. SWUMHAM operated since 1970. No two higher education
institution can operate the same program at the same time.

Ace Coloma, Intern: SWU stated that their authorization comes from CHED National, while
MHAM is only from CHED reg 7.
Atty Isugan:
- At least 1 year before operation, a new institution should file an application. It will take a long
process because it will be evaluated first before CHED and the Medical Panel.

Ace Coloma, Intern: SWU is trying to get reaffirmation to operate from CHED Manila?
Atty Isugan: Ask for evidence, as far as the regional office is concerned there is no letter. The
CHED regional office should know, and Central has not informed any of us in the Regional of any
reaffirmation. That is a hearsay, which will not hold any water.

Ace Coloma, Intern: Is it safe to say that there is no reaffirmation?
Dr. Ronquillo: Whatever actions in the Central office should be coursed through the Regional
office. There was NO instruction received in the Regional. Whatever instructions given, only the
CHED person can sign that very important letter, but no letter was signed.
- There should be a transmittal from the Regional Director to the Central attached with the
original document. As far as the reaffirmation is concerned, no such letter appeared on the
Regional Offices table. We have to bring it here and spread it to the public. CHED is only one.
Whatever documents in the Regional, we have to submit it to the Central. MHAM can continue
to serve the students.

Ace Coloma, Intern: for the sake of foreign students: the one recognized in their country is SWU.
Now they are afraid that they will not be recognized when they go back. Can you clarify it for us?
Dr. Ronquillo: SWU is only one. When it comes to the specific programs, all the transmittal
letters are directed to MHAM thereby giving them authority, no other authority can give that
legal letter that authenticated degree. No other University can bear that.
Atty Isugan: SWUMHAMCM Inc. is a separate personality from SWU alone. Two registrations,
SWU and the SWUMHAM is operated by the board of trustees because it is a non-stock
operation. SWU is a stock corporation. They have separate identities.
Labitad, Moderator: It is clear that there is no reaffirmation; there is no SWU CM, because it is
SWUMHAM that is registered.

Intern: is it safe to say that CM under Dr. Aznar is illegal? Is there power from CHED to stop
them?
Atty Isugan: You know who has authority and you should know where to enroll
Ibero, Intern: Why isnt the CHED stopping them?
Atty Isugan: The student has to file a complaint for us (CHED) to make an action against the
complaint.

Dr Diaz: If SWUCM has applied, legally their college will open in 2016.
ATTY ISUGAN: If they complied, 2016 is the probable date of operation, but they cannot have
the same program. And can only offer up to 1
st
year and 2
nd
year.
Dr. Diaz: several times we have told who is authorized. Dont you think I am weary of this, I
could have done away with this. Many of my colleagues remained here. You never listened to
us. Listening to Facebook, without hearing facts from CHED.
- Legalities were checked before accepting your enrollment. No Special order for graduation for
those in SWU. Because those in SWU, who will be operating in 2016, you will graduate in 2018.
- ONLY CHED can recommend change of name in that ACFMG. The problem with posting on
Facebook, you listening without checking authorities. We will not force you but your diploma
will be in 2018.
Dr. Ronquiillo: youre only putting into that very good cup and you transfer into the coconut
husk. Stay were you are so your future will be brighter. The only problem you have is to study,
graduate and pass the medical board examination.

Prashant Sukhadia, PGI: SWUCM cannot accept enrollment, why arent you giving a letter to
them?
Dr. Ronquillo: we have to put this into writing, it should be signed by the students who will
complain. Verbal complaints will not hold, it has to be put into writing. Dont be like an ostrich
putting your head into the ground. If we have that letter from YOU, Signed by YOU, we can put it
into action. Put it into writing and we will submit it to the Central. Please do it officially by
putting it into writing so that actions can be taken. Thank you.

Sir Lariba: As far as MHAM is concerned, we have already filed officially (CMO#40, CMO#10) a
very serious complaint against Dr. Peter Aznar, SWU president. We have already sent copies to
manila and CHED Regional. We are trying to stop those people who are trying to mislead the
students and the parents. For the students, if you are to file it, it is up to you, do it now. As far as
MHAM is concerned, we have already done our part.
Dr. Manaloto: I am not confused, but my students are. The SWUCM are claiming that they are a
new school or are just changing their name. I only want my students to hear it from CHED.
Dr Ronquillo: if they change, they should go to court. Even CHED should be asked. What are the
justifications behind? It is not easy to change name. There is Board Resolutions, etc. In CHED it
cannot just change names, because many agencies will be affected. It is not easy to immediately
change. Only SWUMHAM is existing. We have to announce publicly. Do not leave until it is not
resolved.

Foreign Student, Intern: I received this letter from SWUCM, from office the president (Freddie T.
Bernal). They are requesting to change their name, and tell me, what do you think about their
stamp?
Dr. Ronquillo: This can be scanned, this can be Receiving that letter does NOT mean it is an
approval. Where is the signature of the highest stockholder? Justification? That is just a
submission going into a long process. It does not mean an approval.
Atty Isugan: (reading the contents of the Letter): April 23, 2014 addressed to Dr. Freddie T.
Bernal. Picture to be attached.*** Signed by Dr. Quinanola
- MHAM is a corporation, an artificial being, comes into being by Law. A corporation comes into
being by 5-15 persons, managed by Natural persons-Board of Trustees (nonstick corporation).
A stock corporation divides their stocks.
- A nonstick corporation is not authorized to divide profits. All profits will be used for the benefit
of the program. When that corporation is registered by the SEC, the approval by the SEC will
state that it is separate from the government agencies supervising this corporation. So, when it
was given to the MHAM, and MHAM manages the program, SWU has RELEASED its hold on the
program.
- When there was a contract for MHAM to manage its program from CHED, MHAM is
authorized. It was CHED who issued the authority and it is CHED who will revoke that authority,
with the agreement of both parties, and not just by one party. CHED cannot be just told to
change its records. MHAM is exists in our records. There are no records from SEC telling us that
MHAM is now SWU. There is no record. For the change of name, no other person can apply for
the change of name, other than MHAM. Amended articles for corporation has to be applied
before changing, however there is no record.
Labitad: who usually receives letters?
Atty Isugan: we have RECEIVED that copy, but approval has not yet been made.

Dr Diaz: I will summarize, as we have said. SWU and SWUMHAM are two different juridical
entity. Therefore, SWU managed by board of directors, while SWUMHAM is managed by the
board of trustees. Only the board of trustees can apply change of name. Therefore since SWU
and SWUMHAM are separate entities.
- Why is SWU dictating MHAM when they are separate entities? You can answer that question. I
hope that is clear to you. Even though there is a letter that is forwarded, it does not mean it is
approved. SWU applying for SWUMHAM does not hold.

Clarification (intern): If it was received on April 23
rd
then why are they only informed today May
5?
Dr. Ronquillo: There needs to be a procedure for the copy of the letter to be forwarded to the
staff of the Director.
Clarification, intern: The letter was received was the office of Dr. Bernal but was not relayed to
the office of Dr. Ronquillo.
Kenneth Nonesa: Is there a gap of information within your office?
Dr. Ronquillo: All letters will be answered but it needs proper routing-procedure.

Sir Lariba: Articles of a corporation should be given by CHED. No such requirements were filed
under CMO#14 sec 21. It is highly questionable. It is not easy to open an institution. They are
rigid requirements because they are in view of public service. You have to go back to CHED for a
permit and recognition.

Dr Diaz: SWU created this CM, even if they have no license to operate, they accepted the 4
th

year students. They want to revert it to the CM. They need the shortcut, reason for the shortcut
is because they are accepting the shortcut. If they are able to get that permit in 2016, that is the
time, June 2016, 2018 is your date of graduation.
- Whatever side you are in, consider your future. Not that I am with MHAM, it is that we are
listening now to the proper authority. For your information and guidance, your duty time is at
stake. Which means, you are not rotating, you are rotating in the wrong institution. You are
wasting your time in an institution without the license to operate. What am I pointing at? Come
back to us, the moment the CHED will give them their authority, go back to them if you want.
- But dont waste your time. If you wish to remain, then remain. We hear it from from Dr.
Ronquillo, stay where you are. You cannot gamble yourself. You are wasting your time going
there, stay where you are. If can afford to waste until 2016, then do so. We will not force, but if
youre concerned of your time, your money, your parents, think of your future. For your sake for
your sanity, then remainstay where you are.
- For the 1
st
yr, incoming 2
nd
yr... You can make a letter to them (CHED) so they can put it into
action. That is the students power. Why are you afraid? I hope will cooperate. Make a letter to
CHED to end this controversy, so that CHED can take action. Students should also make their
letters. Once the permanent injunction is approved, we can go back to the building. If you are
harassed, you have the academic freedom to a safe environment. They will face some sanctions
if they will harass you. We are waiting for the permanent injunction.

Dr Ronquillo: you have to comply with CHED requirements for classrooms, and facilities.
Certification of occupation, if the atmosphere is not favorable for the safety of the students, we
have to look for a favorable atmosphere. We do our best to advise SWUMHAM to provide and
comply with these requirements.

Lysa Babiera, Student: as of today, SWUCM is operating illegally. Given these facts, are we given
assurance that we not be bothered by this issue within the next 3yrs?
Dr. Diaz: No you will not be given that assurance. SWUMHAM was in SWU bldg for costs sake. I
will frankly say no, until they reach a truce agreement. What we can assure you is that we are
trying our best, but will this happen again? YES. Because we do not know the temperament of
these people. I would not blame you if you transfer. We are not planning to close. Yes, you can
graduate. We will try our best to comply with CHED requirements. We keep our
communications open with them (CHED).
Atty Isugan: if these schools are still compliant with CHED to operate the program. If they cannot
comply, then CHED will close the program. CHED will come into the picture; CHED will transfer
these students with the same program, if your school can no longer serve you.

Student Stephen Nasiad: MHAM is in charge of the CM, does it suggest that the scholars last
year will still be scholars this year?
Dr. Diaz: YES, if your grades qualify. The contract is with SWUMHAM.

Asoy, Intern: inquiry, some of our classmates are already double enrolled, what will happen to
them?
Dr. Ronquillo: as far as the registration is concerned, no two colleges will operate. Only one will
remain. What we can do is to go back into the authorized entity. You can withdraw, because
they are not legitimate. MHAM is the only one existing as of the moment. That is the resolution,
why did you double enroll? You should have your mind set. You should finish where you are, and
that is the only protection that CHED can provide. Thank you.

Sukhadia, PGI: our filing of SO has been delayed, can the process be hastened?
Dr Ronquillo: Our ruling is that, 1 month before the graduation, the records should be submitted
to CHED. If you fail to do that, we have to entertain the others who have filed before you. It is a
first come first serve basis. We dont want to delay, but there are certain requirements.
Dr Diaz: the reason for the delay: 1. The OB report, some of the interns when to Pakistan, to
India. 2. If youre a foreigner, CHED requires the receipt of the visa and stamp, some of you
dont have it. Thats the reason for the delay

Ken Nonesa, Student: I would like the public to hear the answer. If I have deficiencies from
SWUMHAMCM and I will transfer to SWU because I heard SWU will reevaluate my records, is
this even possible?
Dr Ronquillo: NO, because they are not yet authorized. The more you will be delayed. Go back to
your home, please.
Dr Diaz: Some students who have deficiencies, transferred because they will be given a mass
promotion.
Dr Ronquillo: there is no mass promotion from CHED, only quality education. If there are
miracles, then that is the time CHED will dip its fingers into it. That cannot be done. There is no
mass promotion, it is a big NO-NO. It is a violation to the academics. No promotion, only
escalation if your grades are 1.0 in all subjects from first yr to fourth year. These are promises
made to be broken. We dont want it to happen to CHED. NO.

Student Faye Lomocso: SWU is claiming that SWUMHAM has to be attached to SWU to exist,
please explain
Labitad: can SWUMHAM exist with the name SWU attached to it?
ATTY Isugan: SWUMHAM Inc, SWU are two separate personalities. Each of them is standing on
its own. SEPARATE names. That word incorporated states that it is a separate person.
Labitad: in our certificate, there are signatories from SWU president and Dean of MHAM, does it
mean that we are under them?
Dr Diaz: the signatories are the registrar, the dean and the president maam Elma Sierra. Our
president, maam Elma Sierra signed the diploma and she is the president of the board of
trustees.

Dr. Manaloto: The 4
th
yrs, thrown out of sacred heart, we are now in Chong Hua, VSMC, so it is
still a blessing.
Dr. Diaz: MHAM has worked hard for your education, we did not leave you. Something good has
come out of it. In everything, God orchestrated the events, instead of hearsay, hear it from the
proper authorities. You should go and pray. I beseech you that you put into your own prayers
SWU and SWUMHAM will reconcile, they are families.
Atty Isugan: For the information of everyone, I was able to talk to some officials of SWUCM
about the revocation of authority. It is only CHED who can revoke that authority because it was
the one who granted it. I advised them not to accept enrollees. CHED advised SWUCM not to
accept enrollees yet until they have authorization.

Labitad Closing Remarks: 5 fingered prayer.


Ended: 11:58am




Prepared and Reviewed by:


Maureen Villareal
Incoming Secretary, SWU MHAM CM Student Council


Niki Reynes
Incoming Assistant Treasurer, SWU MHAM CM Student Council

Kenneth Doya Nonesa
Incoming External Governor, SWU MHAM CM Student Council

Noted by:
Jay Conrad Labay
Incoming Governor, SWU MHAM CM Student Council