For the first time in the history of the Negros Oriental State University, its students yesterday protested against their president, Don Vicente Real, and some school officials for alleged violation of their rights as students and as individuals.

The students sought the help of President Benigno Aquino III and Commission on Higher Education chair, Patricia Licuanan, to replace Real with one who is decent and competent, and who upholds the students' rights and welfare, since the students are the very reason for the university's existence, they added.

The students assembled at the Freedom Park in front of the NORSU main campus in Dumaguete City, to air their grievances against Real and four others through placards and streamers calling for an investigation into alleged corrupt practices act of several officials.

A poster that read, “Norsunians want a president who is not corrupt and has great leadership abilities”, also called for an investigation of alleged abuses committed by Real's executive secretary Nino Zamora, Income Generating Project director, Benjamin Villagonzalo, Human Resource officer Jim Villahermosa and newly-appointed Student Affairs Office head, Robert Poculan.

Led by NORSU regent Norilyn Talorete, a graduating nursing student, and incoming Student Government Federated president Harold Pelaez, the students also criticized the alleged actuation of Real of putting the students down.

They also sought for an accounting of the P1,000 laboratory fees paid by around 7,000 students. Talorete and the student government also called for an investigation into the involvement of college deans in warning the students not to join the protest so their summer enrolment will not be affected.

Pelaez said Real violated his right as a student and as an individual during the Donors' Day and ROTC Tactical. He said that, instead of giving an inspirational message, Real attacked him personally by reading his letter that was supposed to be confidential.

The letter was the handwritten admission of Pelaez that there were times he had used some money from the College of Education for his personal use, and that he was willing to repay the amount.

Pelaez said the letter was spread throughout the university, causing undue harm and injury to his person. He said he was forced to write the letter due to pressures from everybody inside the accreditation room, including the security officers, while being photographed and videoed against his will. The letter was posted in the school bulletin board beside a statement of the college dean about the expenses, without his knowledge, he added.

Pelaez said he will file a libel complaint against Real on Monday, adding his right has been violated and he was humiliated in public.*JG

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