De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde affirmed no involvement in Ariel Pineda’s complaint against Rappler CEO Maria Ressa and reporter Rambo Talabong, who published an online article of Pineda taking part in bribery offers by Export Management students.

In an online interview with The Benildean, Center for Student Life Dean Ms. Norie Ador Dionisio mentioned Pineda filed the case in his personal capacity and was out of the College when he decided to file a complaint.

Ms. Ador Dionisio said Mr. Pineda was one of the employees who accepted the College’s offer for voluntary retirement after stepping down as Export Management Program Director and Thesis Coordinator in February 2020, following the events of the case’s investigation.

The case blew up after whistle-blower AK Paras reported and filed a complaint to the College in 2019 stating Mr. Pineda allegedly passed graduating students who paid P20,000 for their thesis. 

According to Ms. Ador Dionisio, the College will not be releasing the results of the internal investigation held concerning the alleged case of bribery in the program. Nonetheless, should it be subpoenaed for legal proceedings, Benilde will fully comply.

The College will not be releasing an official statement regarding the matter.