Visiting Vatican envoy sacks top UST priests

(from Manila Standard Saturday September 9, 2007)

If you're wondering why Pido Jarencio made those statements about being iffy about returning next year, it's because there's going to be a lot of change in UST's hierarchy. Of course, I'd love to see Pido return, but I wonder if the change will extend to their entire sports program. Word is even Mrs. Francisco and Fr. De Sagon will be on their way out because of the changes not by anything else. Whatever happens, this is not a happy report. We hope that UST can reorganize as soon as possible. Viva UST!
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At least three priests who were holding sensitive positions at the University of Santo Tomas were sacked last Tuesday (September 4) for alleged mismanagement and irregularities.

Relieved were Edmund Nantes, prior provincial of the Philippine Dominican Province and also UST's vice chancellor.

Rector Ernesto Arceo, OP, and Vice Rector Juan Ponce, OP, were also asked to resign.

Carlos Aspiroz, OP, the Master of the Order of Preachers, accepted the resignation of the three priests.

Aspiroz was in Manila for a canonical visit, but sources in the university said the grand chancellor's visit was mainly to stop the expansion of the UST hospital.

"The Master believes that a new leadership team will be better able to create the consensus necessary for future developments at the university and the hospital especially as UST begins preparations for its 400th anniversary in 2011," said university Secretary General Isidro Abano, OP in a circular that was read during the meeting of deans, regents, and department heads.

The same source told reporters that some priests were among the investors in the hospital and that the investments came to more than Php1 million.

"That bothers the Holy See," the source said. Aside from the irregularities, the hierarchy of the Dominican Order was reportedly unhappy with the way the university was being managed after it failed to secure the global certification recognizing its compliance with the high standards of education.

With the resignation of the three priests, the grand master named Rolando de la Rosa, OP, acting UST rector until Pope Benedict XVI appoints a new rector. De la Rosa was previously chairman of the Commission on Higher Education.

from a report by Arlie Calalo