Malou Choa-Fagar faces scrutiny over alleged ₱4M UP CMC Foundation fund discrepancy amid internal dispute and calls for financial accountability.
Former PTV-4 head Malou Choa-Fagar is facing questions from faculty members of the University of the Philippines Diliman College of Media and Communication (UP CMC) over an alleged discrepancy involving approximately ₱4 million in funds of the UP CMC Foundation, Inc. where she serves as acting president.
The issue was raised during a June 22 assembly, according to reports from Tinig ng Plaridel, the student publication of UP CMC.
During the meeting, members of the foundation’s Board of Trustees reportedly restricted entry to some individuals, citing issues related to the submission of attendance forms and unpaid dues.
Faculty members, including UP broadcast communication professor Cecile Ilagan, raised concerns about transparency in the handling of foundation funds. Ilagan and others later attempted to settle their dues during the assembly, which they said was intended to allow participation in discussions on financial matters.
A manifesto signed by some faculty members stated that payments were being held in escrow, citing concerns over the board’s handling of financial accountability. In a separate document, members of the College Executive Board raised concerns regarding governance and alleged attempts to withhold information related to ongoing disputes.
In interviews recorded and posted by Tinig ng Plaridel on social media, Choa-Fagar defended the board’s actions as compliance with procedural rules regarding attendance and membership requirements.
When asked about the alleged missing funds, Choa-Fagar said: “So somebody stole the money. Na-overlook ng accountant, na-overlook ng AO.” She did not provide further details on individuals responsible, but said the matter was being addressed. In a separate statement, she said: “We will go to court. We will ask the people to go to court who are answerable for all of this.”
Ilagan said the issue involved a significant reduction in available funds, stating that from approximately ₱4 million, only about ₱400,000 remained, based on their assessment as trustees. She also called for greater financial accountability within the foundation.
She further urged the board to address the reported shortfall and raised concerns about the foundation’s compliance status with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
The UP CMC administration has not issued a detailed public statement on the matter. Dean Diosa Labiste, who serves as ex officio president of the foundation, has reportedly declined to assume the role amid ongoing internal issues.
The dispute adds to previous controversies involving Choa-Fagar. In May 2025, GMA Network filed a criminal complaint for estafa through abuse of confidence against her and several executives of TAPE Inc.
The complaint alleged that approximately ₱37.9 million in advertising revenues intended for GMA Network were not remitted as agreed under contract in 2023 and were instead used for internal expenses. The matter remains under legal proceedings.
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