Three years after filing an impeachment case for gross negligence of duty against former University Student Government (USG) Vice President for External Affairs Mae Mae Gonzales, Norben “Bim” Sagun Jr. released a public apology addressed to the former and her previous office yesterday, July 7.
Sagun filed the complaint against Gonzales and former USG Executive Treasurer Rupert Laurel after the non-receipt of his balance from a scholarship grant awarded to him by a USG program during AY 2014-2015. Sagun, first place winner of the Lasallian Exchange Scholarship Grant, only received P15,000, which was half of his grant.
The USG Judiciary, then, unanimously ruled Gonzales guilty of gross negligence of duty. However, the Judiciary also explained in its court opinion “that there was no substantial evidence presented that would merit the impeachment or disbarment of Ms. Gonzales from office and that would raise the established gross negligence as severe.”
Sagun’s apology is as follows:
“I would like to extend my sincerest apologies to Michelle Mae Mae B. Gonzales and all the officers under her during her incumbency as the Vice President for External Affairs during AY 2014-15, and under her ticket when she ran for the University Student Government presidency for AY 2015-16, who were adversely affected with my acts and statements, which I gave to The LaSallian, Ang Pahayagang Plaridel, and Archers Network, published online.
In enforcing my rights which I believe I am entitled to, the statements I gave were one-sided and a result of misapprehension of facts and failure and refusal on my part to hear their side despite their effort to reach out to me.
All allegations against her brought up online that were not related to my complaint are baseless.
I am grateful for Mae Mae for giving me a second chance to hear her side and resolve [the] issue between us.”
Read more here:
Impeachment case stirs up Special Elections
Impeachment case filed vs Gonzales, Laurel to push through on grounds of gross negligence
Judiciary rules Gonzales guilty of gross negligence of duty
Gonzales breaks silence on allegations and trial proceedings, holds press con
