‘Scent of dirty politics’ in UST

No matter how deserving Chief Justice Renato Corona is of his doctorate in civil law, the manner of its conferment by the University of Santo Tomas makes its validity suspect.

The connection of this issue with his impeachment cannot simply be discounted. It fans the general perception that Corona is wanting in delicadeza, which was initially shown by his acquiescence to his questionable midnight appointment as chief justice of the Supreme Court. And it also reinforces doubts about his impartiality, especially when it comes to cases involving Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

On the part of UST, the conferment of the doctorate on Corona could diminish its image as a venerable institution, an image that it has been enjoying for centuries. The dissertation is a time-tested “rite of passage” to a “doctoral career”—hence, a sine qua non.

And for the alumni, the scent of dirty politics that has drifted into the hallowed halls of their revered alma mater is sickening, if not revolting.

—RUDY B. MEDENILLA,

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