Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) system President Dr. Don Vicente C. Real has set an unprecedented example for the heads of other government offices to follow after he publicly called for NORSU employees to be apolitical during the election period.
In a statement published, Real stated that he recognizes the God-given rights of every person to choose and support a person or candidate seeking political office. The NORSU President is even encouraging every one to practice it. However, he pointed out that employees of government offices have lawful provisions to follow such as Republic Act No. 6713 to ensure that government services is provided to everyone regardless of political affiliation.
RA 6713 states that “public officials and employees shall provide service to everyone without unfair discrimination and regardless of party affiliation or preference”.
It is popular knowledge that many entrenched politicians take advantage of their positions and limit services to groups or people associated with their political opponents. The NORSU president strongly feels that this should not be the practice.
Dr. Real stressed that NORSU as an academic institution, NORSU, will always welcome people of various professions, academic backgrounds, race, and religious or political leanings in the spirit of academic openness at any period of time and that no malice should be made of NORSU maintaining its academic role during this period. (Conney M. Murro)