The Varsitarian

IT MIGHT take a long while before Civil Law Dean Alfredo Benipayo return to UST despite reports that he is now on the way to recovery, acting Dean Roberto Abad said.

“We cannot say when and if he could still resume office,” Abad told the Varsitarian.

Last February 22, Benipayo collapsed while giving a lecture before the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Iloilo Chapter and was immediately rushed to St. Paul’s Hospital.

Benipayo was airlifted from Iloilo to Manila last month. He was admitted to St. Luke’s Hospital in Quezon City and was eventually brought home to undergo therapy.

While stressing the need for Benipayo to take a “long-time rest,” Abad however pointed out that the former solicitor-general is not leaving his post as Civil Law Dean.

“Dean Benipayo is fine and stable, except that he needs a lot of exercises before he fully recovers,” Abad said. “He is not yet contacting us personally and we likewise do not want to give him office stress.”

Temporarily taking the reins from Benipayo, Abad, an expert in Remedial Law, took office as the Faculty’s acting dean last February 27.

“I find the job quite challenging since Dean Benipayo was not able to give me pieces of advice regarding the work,” Abad said.

Immediately after assuming office, the former Civil Law professor said he has started preparations for the 2008 Bar Examination, most especially the Bar Review.

In May 2007, Abad led the defense of Lucio Tan and 69 others in a P25.6-million tax evasion case. The Chinese-Filipino businessman was acquitted with Abad and lawyer Estelito Mendoza in his defense.