BSU prexy denies charges against him, ex-president

By Rocky Ngalob

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- Benguet State University’s recently appointed president, Dr. Jones Feliciano, as officer in charge, denied allegations of his “inefficiency” for allegedly allowing former BSU president, now retired Ben Ladilad to sign papers inside his office ‘without authority” even after the latter’s retirement.

In a press conference here Thursday in BSU, Feliciano did not deny the visits and signing of documents by retired President Ladilad from the later days of December last year, when Feliciano assumed office as OIC president.

According to him, writers of an article published in a local paper in their week’s mail column failed to recognize that the scenario was normal in all government transitional administrations.

Feliciano said the article branded him ‘inept’ wherein its author’s name was withheld.

He said there were documents still needing the signature of the retired president.

He cited some documents like applications of leave dated during the presidency of Ladilad, wherein in no circumstances he has the authority to sign, must be set aside, and to be given to the prior president for him to stamp his signature for the benefit of the employee applicants.

He added, being an OIC of a transitional administration carries with him a huge burden of preparing the university for the next president to be appointed.

And while waiting for the appointment according to him, eyes and fingers of the criticizing public as expected will be pointing towards him.

“A true leader should not succumb to petty adversities, let alone if these adversities are personally and politically driven with the aims the stain our great institution. Much that we want to ignore these, we’ll answer it now, while consciously aiming towards our vision. We will never be distracted by their black propaganda,” said Feliciano.

Capping their press conference, BSU execs led by Feliciano invited the public to celebrate with them BSU’s 30th charter on Jan. 25, and BSU centennial celebration on June.

BSU also will be hosting the National Coffee Summit on Jan. 26 – 29 at the university gymnasium.