Ched probes botched ‘unauthorized’ Bestlink activity in Bataan

TREACHEROUS ZIGZAG A research and camping excursion of Bestlink College of the Philippines ended in tragedy on a dangerous zigzag in Tanay, Rizal, in February 2017. —NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Higher Education (Ched) is investigating the botched “unauthorized off-campus activity” of Bestlink College of the Philippines in Bataan.

Ched noted that the students of the Quezon City-based college have experienced “severe logistical problems and safety concerns, with many students stranded for hours with no transportation to go back to Manila during the activity.”

Bestlink was celebrating its 23rd founding anniversary at a resort in Hermosa municipality.

After this fiasco, the Ched en banc discussed the matter, and a show-cause order was issued on Tuesday against the administration of the college.

The action was prompted by the school’s failure to submit some required documents to the commission about the activity.

Article continues after this advertisement

“The issue raised will be investigated with gravity and urgency, especially since this is not the first unauthorized off-campus activity conducted by the institution that has resulted in a mishap,” the Ched said in a statement on Tuesday afternoon.

Article continues after this advertisement

It added that “necessary sanctions will be imposed after the investigation.”

In Feb. 2017, Bestlink’s camping in Tanay, Rizal, led to the deaths of 15 people, while 40 others were injured.

This occurred after a tourist bus carrying them allegedly lost its brake, prompting the driver to deliberately hit a roadside post to stop the movement of the bus.

While institutions like Bestlink are under Ched’s jurisdiction, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said the city council will investigate in aid of legislation.

“The safety of students is a matter that transcends jurisdictions,” Belmonte said in a statement on Tuesday.

“This investigation reflects our firm resolve to ensure that such incidents are thoroughly examined and that we take all necessary steps to prevent them from happening again,” she added.