After Iloilo City Community College (ICCC) students recently gathered in front of Iloilo City Hall to speak out regarding the ongoing investigation into school management by the City Council, Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa III insisted politics is not a factor in the probe.

Amid demonstrators claiming the investigation demeans the school and demanding politics be kept away, the mayor said the issue was brought about after receiving a complaint.

“Inquiries should proceed upon due process,” the mayor affirmed.

He also pointed out, having ICCC Administrator Ma. Mathilde Octavio relieved from her post was also necessary while the investigation is ongoing.

The school came under scrutiny earlier this week after claims the school was being mismanaged.

According to a complaint by four ICCC instructors, salaries were “not standardized” or lower compared to other local colleges and universities. The complaint also highlights a reportedly high turnover rate among faculty and demanded a probe into the school’s operation and budget.

Octavio, meanwhile, responded by calling the accusations “blatant lies and false allegations.”

“These [allegations] are a clear attempt to defame and malign the person of the college administrator,” she insisted./WDJ