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CEBU CITY, Philippines – The camp of Paulus Cañete, former Mandaue City College (MCC) president, said Tuesday they are willing to reconcile with Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes.
Deputy Ombudsman Pelagio Apostol, who met with Cañete and members of the MCC board of trustees at the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas, said Cañete is open to smooth things over with Cortes for the students’ welfare.
Apostol said Cañete’s camp admitted they have committed some mistakes and are willing to settle differences with Cortes.
He said he told Cañete’s camp he wanted the problem between Cañete and Cortes solved before school starts.
Apostol said if Cañete and Cortes will settle their differences, his office may not have to pursue the investigation of the cases that each filed against the other.
Cañete stayed mum on what transpired during the meeting inside the Office of the Ombudsman. He told reporters he couldn’t divulge what was discussed.
Trustee Edgar Agustillo, however, confirmed in an interview that Apostol, who set up the meeting, informed them of his wish to have the problem settled before the start of classes in June.
Apostol said he will evaluate the statements from Cañete’s camp and listen to the side of Cortes, whom he planned to meet tomorrow.
He said after the meeting with Cortes, he will have to invite both camps together in another meeting.
The MCC controversy started when Cañete refused to step down as president of MCC despite orders from Cortes.
MCC had been closed and turned over to the Mandaue City Science High School, which is, according to Cortes, the legitimate owner of the building. /Correspondent Carine Asutilla
