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Advocates Philippines
UP CMC Foundation Confirms P4.4M Missing Funds, Preparing Legal Action
Photo credit: UP
The University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication Foundation, Inc. (UPCMCFI) has confirmed that P4.4 million in foundation funds were misappropriated and said legal action is now being prepared against those responsible.
In a statement released following its June 22 General Assembly, the foundation said the missing funds were uncovered through an external audit that examined financial records from 2021 to 2025.
The audit was conducted between August 2025 and January 2026.
According to the foundation, the missing amount consists of P1.4 million in remaining funds from completed projects and P2.9 million taken from operating and institutional funds intended to support College of Mass Communication staff and programs.
The board said it began taking action months ago and has already approved resolutions authorizing legal counsel to pursue remedies against the individuals involved. It added that cases are currently being prepared and filed in an effort to recover the funds.
While acknowledging public interest in the matter, the foundation said details of the evidence and planned legal actions cannot yet be disclosed to avoid compromising its legal strategy and ongoing proceedings.
The UPCMCFI also addressed allegations circulating on social media involving Trustee Malou Choa-Fagar. The foundation said Fagar “never had access, possession, or control of the funds in question” and maintained that she is not involved in the missing funds controversy.
The issue has sparked intense discussion among alumni and members of the UP College of Mass Communication community, particularly following the foundation’s recent General Assembly.
The foundation defended the conduct of the June 22 assembly, saying it strictly followed provisions of its Constitution and By-Laws. According to the board, only members in good standing—those who had paid their annual dues and complied with registration requirements—were allowed to participate.
Officials said the required quorum was achieved, allowing the meeting to proceed. The board also noted that incumbent trustees would continue serving in a holdover capacity until successors are properly elected, in accordance with the foundation’s governing rules.
The UPCMCFI further claimed that some individuals who attempted to attend the meeting had not completed the required registration and membership requirements by the announced deadlines. The foundation said these individuals were therefore ineligible to participate in the assembly.
It also alleged that an email circulated among some faculty members outlined a “5-step game plan” intended to disrupt proceedings during the meeting.
The foundation rejected suggestions that the restrictions were meant to limit transparency, arguing that the rules were applied fairly to all members who complied with the established requirements.
Established in 1987, the UPCMCFI is a private non-stock, non-profit organization that supports communication and media education, research, training, and extension programs linked to the UP College of Mass Communication.
The organization emphasized that its Board of Trustees is composed of volunteer alumni and faculty members who do not receive salaries, allowances, or per diems for their service. It also clarified that the foundation operates independently and is not under the College Executive Board of the UP College of Mass Communication.
The foundation said it remains committed to recovering the missing funds and ensuring accountability as legal proceedings move forward.
In a statement released following its June 22 General Assembly, the foundation said the missing funds were uncovered through an external audit that examined financial records from 2021 to 2025.
The audit was conducted between August 2025 and January 2026.
According to the foundation, the missing amount consists of P1.4 million in remaining funds from completed projects and P2.9 million taken from operating and institutional funds intended to support College of Mass Communication staff and programs.
The board said it began taking action months ago and has already approved resolutions authorizing legal counsel to pursue remedies against the individuals involved. It added that cases are currently being prepared and filed in an effort to recover the funds.
While acknowledging public interest in the matter, the foundation said details of the evidence and planned legal actions cannot yet be disclosed to avoid compromising its legal strategy and ongoing proceedings.
The UPCMCFI also addressed allegations circulating on social media involving Trustee Malou Choa-Fagar. The foundation said Fagar “never had access, possession, or control of the funds in question” and maintained that she is not involved in the missing funds controversy.
The issue has sparked intense discussion among alumni and members of the UP College of Mass Communication community, particularly following the foundation’s recent General Assembly.
The foundation defended the conduct of the June 22 assembly, saying it strictly followed provisions of its Constitution and By-Laws. According to the board, only members in good standing—those who had paid their annual dues and complied with registration requirements—were allowed to participate.
Officials said the required quorum was achieved, allowing the meeting to proceed. The board also noted that incumbent trustees would continue serving in a holdover capacity until successors are properly elected, in accordance with the foundation’s governing rules.
The UPCMCFI further claimed that some individuals who attempted to attend the meeting had not completed the required registration and membership requirements by the announced deadlines. The foundation said these individuals were therefore ineligible to participate in the assembly.
It also alleged that an email circulated among some faculty members outlined a “5-step game plan” intended to disrupt proceedings during the meeting.
The foundation rejected suggestions that the restrictions were meant to limit transparency, arguing that the rules were applied fairly to all members who complied with the established requirements.
Established in 1987, the UPCMCFI is a private non-stock, non-profit organization that supports communication and media education, research, training, and extension programs linked to the UP College of Mass Communication.
The organization emphasized that its Board of Trustees is composed of volunteer alumni and faculty members who do not receive salaries, allowances, or per diems for their service. It also clarified that the foundation operates independently and is not under the College Executive Board of the UP College of Mass Communication.
The foundation said it remains committed to recovering the missing funds and ensuring accountability as legal proceedings move forward.
Jun 24, 2026
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