16/12/2025
Dear SUFA Members,
This is to provide you with a detailed update on the developments surrounding the Writ of Ex*****on issued by the Voluntary Arbitrator in CASE NO. AC-373-RCMBCEB / LVA-003-01-11-2021, ordering Silliman University to pay โฑ37,797,322, plus legal interest and ex*****on fees, representing the facultyโs 70% share in tuition increases.
On December 10, 2025, the National Labor Relations Commission Sheriff personally served the Writ of Ex*****on at the Office of the President. The writ is based on a final and executory decision, which means Silliman University is legally obligated to comply without delay.
As of the date of service of the writ and thereafter, no Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) or Writ of Preliminary Injunction has been issued by the Court of Appeals to restrain or suspend the ex*****on of the Voluntary Arbitratorโs decision.
What Should Have Happened Under NLRC Rules
Once a writ is served, the employer is required to respond immediately and begin voluntary payment. At the minimum, the Administration should have:
๏ท Acknowledged the writ on the spot
๏ท Expressed willingness to comply
๏ท Asked the Sheriff where and how payment must be made
๏ท Initiated steps toward voluntary payment of the ordered amount
If full payment could not be made immediately, the Administration should have:
๏ท Informed the Sheriff of this situation
๏ท Disclosed available funds and assets, (as required under NLRC Rule XI)
๏ท Discussed and agreed on the mechanics and timeline for compliance
These steps are standard in ensuring smooth and lawful ex*****on of final labor judgments.
What Actually Happened
SU President Dr. Betty Cernol McCann was present when the writ was served. However, instead of acknowledging or expressing willingness to comply, her office merely stated:
โWill refer to the counsel.โ
No further communication followed.
The SUFA President attempted to contact the University Counsel later in the afternoon, but no reply came. It was only the next morning (December 11) that counsel responded, stating that the matter would be referred โ this time to the external counsel. Still, no words of acknowledgment or compliance were issued.
SUFA continued to wait from morning until lunchtime, yet the Administration still did not:
๏ท Acknowledge the writ
๏ท Communicate with the Sheriff
๏ท Express willingness to comply
๏ท Begin the process of voluntary payment
Result:
Compulsory Ex*****on Due to the Administrationโs silence and inaction, the Sheriff, acting under NLRC Rule XI, determined that the University appeared unwilling to comply with the writ.
Under the law, when a judgment debtor refuses or fails to comply after service of the writ, the Sheriff is mandated to proceed with compulsory ex*****on, which includes the garnishment of Silliman Universityโs bank accounts.
SUFA continues to coordinate with the Sheriff to ensure that the implementation of the writ is conducted lawfully, transparently, and in an orderly manner.
SUFA Remains Firm in Its Commitment To:
๏ท Protecting the rights and welfare of the academic personnel
๏ท Ensuring fair and lawful implementation of the CBA
๏ท Upholding transparency in all processes
๏ท Providing timely updates to our members We will continue to inform you as further developments arise.
For questions or clarifications, SUFA members may contact any SUFA officer directly.
