Bestlink College faces sanctions for illegal off-campus activity

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THE Commission on Higher Education (CHED) yesterday declared that sanctions will be imposed against the Bestlink College of the Philippines (Bestlink) in relation to the complaints of hundreds of students about physical difficulties and safety issues during an event held in Bataan last January 26 on instructions of school authorities.

CHED Secretary Prospero De Vera said an investigation was initiated on January 27, 2025 after reports of the numerous complaints filtered on social media platforms and were brought to the attention of the Commission.

“The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) would like to emphasize that ensuring students’ safety is the top priority of the Commission when authorizing off-campus activity of higher education institutions (HEIs),” he said.

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CHED Memorandum Order No. 9, series of 2013 entitled “Enhanced Policies and Guidelines on Student Affairs and Services” as amended by CMO 63, series of 2017 require HEIs to ensure the safety and health of all students during off-campus activities.

De Vera noted that Bestlink was investigated for violations of student guidelines eight years ago.

“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. In February 2017, an incident during an off-campus activity organized by Bestlink College led to 15 deaths, and 40 students were injured. Seemingly, compliance with the rules and guidelines set forth by the Commission was not taken seriously,” the CHED chief said.

The 2017 incident involved a bus that suffered a brake failure and crashed while 50 passengers were on board, majority of whom were Bestlink students.

Last Sunday, Bestlink students claimed to 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.

After a session yesterday, CHED Commission En Banc issued a show cause order against Bestlink College for conducting the off-campus activity without submitting the required documents with CHEDRO NCR.

The Commission has also instructed CHED Executive Director Cinderella Filipina Benitez-Jaro and CHED- Legal Legislative Service (LLS) Director Jerome Leynes to handle the fact-finding and investigation of the incident and respond to further inquiries from the media.

“Rest assured that necessary sanctions will be imposed after the investigation,” De Vera said.

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