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LAW BLOWS
It seemed that Nemenzo had already received all the flak he could possibly get in two years time. But a little research revealed that he had his honeymoon with his detractors a long time ago, even before his first 100 days were over.
Just two weeks after he took office in 1999, his administration had already been accused of espousing "undemocratic processes" in appointing academic officials.
The appointment of Dean Raul C. Pangalangan met strong opposition from the UP College of Law faculty, who claimed, "the voice of the constituency of the college was not considered."
According to Prof. Lourdes Serano in her previous statements, the issue was no longer about the new dean but Nemenzo's failure to respect the selection process that the law faculty expected him to uphold.
"Ang isyu ay kung bakit ang boses na napakalakas na mula sa faculty ay completely isinantabi."
The BOR allegedly voted unanimously for Pangalangan despite warnings that his selection would lead to a "serious revolt" in the Law community, as during the nomination period, most students and faculty showed support for either Prof. Raphael Lotilla or Prof. Myrna Feliciano.
According to Prof. Susan Villanueva, "while it is true that BOR holds the supreme power,... they have to rely on [Nemenzo's] recommendations."
Villanueva challenged Nemenzo's claim that he endorsed all three nominees in his report to the BOR. "If the report was really even-handed, then we dare him to make it public."
Moreover, it was reported that former Chancellor Claro Llaguno only had the names of Lotilla and Feliciano for consideration as candidates but Nemenzo allegedly used his power to have Pangalangan's name included in the list.
Nemenzo's so-called "undemocratic" and "hard stance" for the faculty was a clear sign of abandonment of his earlier pro-faculty declarations.
Serano cited Nemenzo's statement in an interview with ABC-5 last September 9, 1999 where the president said, "Let this serve as a warning to other colleges, that [I don't make decisions by counting heads.]
This incident has led many to believe that Nemenzo's administration would not listen to the voices of its constituents. And one year after this law controversy, it appeared that history would indeed repeat itself.
THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK
Nemenzo now embarks on his next battle: the Revitalized General Education Program (RGEP).
The critics of the RGEP branded its proponents as Nemenzo's "cyborg legions". According to them, the plan only has globalization and privatization as its language, with nationalism taking the backseat.
The issue has created several heated debates, and is still creating more. According to Filipino Prof. Bomen Guillermo, "Tapos na yung balangkas (RGEP) at ikinakampaniya na lang nila, imbes na magsimula sa sanggunian." (The RGEP's outline was already finished. They were only lobbying for it instead of starting a consultation process.)
"Top-down ang way niya. Walang sapat na pakikinig at interaction sa mga guro," he added, lambasting as well Nemenzo's idea of a democratic consultation.
"Iniisip niya sigurong siya lang ang nakakaalam ng makakabuti sa lahat. Kaya pag may gusto siyang ideya, hindi na nagkukunsulta."
But Nemenzo, for his part, welcomed the ongoing debate, although he lamented that the attacks were becoming a bit too personal.
"I have more trust in the intelligence of the UP community that they will not be swayed by such a childish behavior," Nemenzo maintained.
He hastened to add that people should not mistake his decisiveness with being undemocratic.
"If in the course of my imposition, I am proven wrong, I am not that proud not to admit my mistake. I do not hesitate to backtrack."
So far, Nemenzo has survived all the criticisms flung against him, and is expected to survive further controversies in his four more years as president. And this he owes either to his genuine and steadfast conviction, or to what others prefer to call his subtle shrewdness.
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