The appointment of the director for the University of the Philippines Office for Athletics and Sports Development (OASD) has been called into question following the outgoing UP Diliman Chancellor Fidel R. Nemenzo’s signing College of Human Kinetics Dean Francis Diaz as the interim director.
However, UP Vice President for Legal Affairs Abraham Rey M. Acosta clarified that only the University President has the authority to appoint the OASD Director.
The controversy arose as Nemenzo’s term ended on March 1, and he was only in a holdover capacity until March 2. The interim appointment of Diaz was made on the evening before his last day in office, without the necessary recommendation and approval process from the University President.
In response, the UP Vice President for Legal Affairs emphasized that while it is the Chancellor who recommends the OASD Director, it is ultimately the President who approves and appoints the same.
The legal office further noted that the appointment of an interim director is not in accordance with current legal processes in the appointment of UP personnel, and the use of interim appointments is reserved for appointments that require Board of Regents approval.
The VP for Legal Affairs also emphasized that the recommendation for the appointment of the OASD Director should be left to the next Chancellor, who will be elected by the Board of Regents on April 27, 2023.
The position of OASD Director has remained vacant throughout Nemenzo’s term, but the recommendation for the appointment should be made by the incoming Chancellor, according to the VP for Legal Affairs.
The establishment of the OASD was made through Executive Order No. 15-02 issued by former UP President Alfredo Pascual in October 2015.
The EO states that the OASD shall be under the supervision and administration of the UP Diliman Chancellor, but the appointment of the Director shall be recommended by the Chancellor and appointed by the President. The Director’s term shall last for two years and may be re-appointed multiple times with the Chancellor’s recommendation and the President’s approval.
As of now, UP will continue to work with the varsity teams and various support groups to address the concerns and needs of the athletes while waiting for the proper appointment of the OASD Director.
