The lawyers of a review center on Wednesday were alarmed over a social media post regarding an alleged leakage of a Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) licensure examination questions involving an unnamed review center in Pangasinan.
In a statement, Gargantiel and Associates, the law firm representing the Carl Balita Review Center (CBRC), said that certain comments and discussions circulating on social media have sought to “associate our client with the allegations.”
“Upon learning of the matter, CBRC immediately conducted an internal investigation and verification of the circumstances described in the post. Based on the results of that investigation, there is no factual basis to conclude that CBRC obtained, received, solicited, possessed, or distributed leaked PRC licensure examination questions,” the law firm said.
“CBRC categorically does not condone, tolerate, or participate in any act that compromises the integrity of professional licensure examinations. Its review programs are founded on legitimate instruction, rigorous preparation, discipline, and the hard work of its reviewees. Any statement or representation by any individual inconsistent with these principles, if any, does not constitute the policy, practice, or official position of CBRC,” it added.
In addition, the review center “welcomes any genuine investigation by the PRC or other competent authorities and is prepared to cooperate fully should its assistance be required.”
“We must, however, draw a clear distinction between legitimate inquiry and the malicious publication or circulation of false and defamatory accusations. We therefore strongly caution against identifying CBRC, its officers, employees, lecturers, or representatives as being involved in the alleged leakage without a competent factual basis. Persons who knowingly or maliciously fabricate, publish, repeat, or circulate false statements damaging to the reputation of our client or its personnel may be held accountable under applicable law. CBRC reserves the right to pursue the appropriate legal remedies when warranted,” the law firm said.
A post in a Facebook page named “Unheard Confessions” on Tuesday claimed that there was an unnamed review center that had a leakage in Pangasinan.
“There is a review center here in Pangasinan that allegedly confirmed in front of a large number of students that there was indeed a leakage of board exam questions from the PRC,” the post read in Filipino.
“Where is the integrity of review centers if this is the kind of narrative being spread among students? Is this fair to all the reviewees who are working extremely hard and praying honestly just to pass the board exams?” the post added.
Balita is a columnist for The Manila Times every Friday.