06/07/2026
๐ฆ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฆ๐จ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ฏ๐๐๐ ๐๐ผ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฑ ๐ ๐ฒ๐บ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฟโ๐ โ๐๐ถ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐น๐ผ๐๐โ ๐๐น๐ฎ๐ถ๐บ๐ ๐ข๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ป๐ฟ๐ผ๐น๐น๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐ค๐๐ผ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ฎ๐ฐ๐๐น๐๐
Sorsogon 2nd District Board Member Roland Aรฑonuevo questioned the admission quotas of local state universities during a radio interview with Brigada News FM Sorsogon, arguing that limiting student enrollment compromises the core goals of the Free Higher Education law.
In response, Sorsogon State University (SorSU) released an official statement on July 4 clarifying that its admission capacity is strictly dictated by government funding and institutional resources. The university emphasized that under the implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 10931, it cannot charge tuition to offset the costs of admitting additional students beyond its carrying capacity of 3,350 incoming freshmen for Academic Year 2026-2027.
During the interview, Aรฑonuevo argued that state colleges facing budget deficits should admit more students to generate additional income through miscellaneous fees. However, SorSU refuted this approach, stating that it "does not reflect the present legal framework." The university explained that it relies on the National Budget and UniFAST reimbursements, meaning any increase in the student population without corresponding state funding would stretch its existing infrastructure and faculty beyond capacity.
The board member also criticized current student-to-teacher ratios, alleging that professors prefer smaller classes of 40 students over 80 due to warm classroom conditions rather than academic reasons. He further described some faculty members as "lazy."
In its statement, SorSU condemned these remarks as "malicious" and "libelous." The administration clarified that class sizes are determined by CHEDโs quality assurance standards and safety protocols, not faculty convenience. The university stated that such allegations "unfairly impugn the competence" and dedication of their educators.
Furthermore, SorSU invoked its constitutional right to academic freedom, which grants the institution the authority to determine its admission and retention policies. The university also noted that the radio program failed to reach out for the institution's side before airing the interview, cautioning that public officials who broadcast unverified allegations may face legal liabilities.
The public dispute comes on the heels of a recently approved resolution by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board). The measure, authored by Aรฑonuevo, aims to formally investigate State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) across Sorsogon regarding their implementation of admission policies and student quotas.
While SorSU maintained that it welcomes "feedback that is grounded in facts" to improve its services, the administration emphasized it will not tolerate statements intended to "malign, discredit, or unfairly attack the integrity of the academic institution." In the interest of mutual understanding, SorSU stated that it remains fully open to participating in a formal dialogue with Board Member Aรฑonuevo to clear up misconceptions. As of press time, no official date has been announced for the provincial board's inquiry.
| via ๐๐ฌ๐๐ฃ๐ฃ ๐๐ฃ๐๐๐, News Writer
Graphics: ๐๐ง๐๐ฃ๐๐๐จ ๐ผ๐ฃ๐ฃ๐ ๐๐๐ง๐๐ ๐ฟ๐๐๐๐ฃ๐, Managing Editor