UP CMS foundation reports ₱4.4M shortfall, defends trustee Malou Choa-Fagar

UP CMC Foundation reports ₱4.4M missing funds after audit, defends Malou Choa-Fagar amid governance controversy and faculty concerns.

The UP College of Mass Communication Foundation, Inc. (UPCMCFI) said it has discovered a total of ₱4.4 million in missing funds following an external audit, while also denying allegations circulating on social media against trustee Malou Choa-Fagar.

In an official statement, the foundation said the discrepancy was uncovered after “an external audit covering the period of 2021–2025 that was initiated from August 2025 to January 2026.”

“The UPCMCFI Board discovered that there was misappropriation of funds by individual(s),” the statement read.

According to the board, the amount consists of “₱1.4M remaining funds from different closed projects, and ₱2.9M from Operating and Institutional funds… earmarked for financial support of the UPCMC Staff and the College.”

The foundation said legal steps are underway. “Even before the [General Assembly], the Board took action and approved resolutions to engage legal counsel to pursue appropriate remedies against the person(s) concerned,” it said. “The UPCMCFI has built a strong case over the past months and is currently in the process of filing cases to recover the funds.”

It added that details cannot yet be disclosed, noting that “case details and evidence cannot be released so as not to compromise legal strategy and violate court rules.”

Choa-Fagar denies involvement

The board also addressed allegations directed at Choa-Fagar, who presided over the June 22 General Assembly in her capacity as trustee.

“Contrary to misleading statements in social media, Trustee Fagar never had access, possession, or control of the funds in question, and is innocent of the allegations made against her,” the statement read.

Choa-Fagar earlier acknowledged the missing funds in remarks during the assembly, saying: “So somebody stole the money. Na-overlook ng accountant, na-overlook ng AO.”

She added that legal action would follow: “We will go to court. We will ask the people to go to court who are answerable for all of this.”

The issue was raised during the June 22 assembly, according to reports by Tinig ng Plaridel, the student publication of the UP College of Mass Communication.

Assembly procedures and access questioned

The General Assembly itself became a point of contention after some faculty members were reportedly unable to enter the venue.

UPCMCFI maintained that the assembly followed its Constitution and By-Laws, stating that “only members in good standing were allowed inside the venue.”

It explained that membership requirements included pre-registration and payment of annual dues by June 19.

“A quorum of 25%… was achieved and so the body proceeded with the Order of Business,” the foundation said, adding that incumbent board members would continue in a holdover capacity “until such time as their successors are duly elected.”

The board also claimed that some individuals who attempted to attend had initially decided to boycott the meeting and did not comply with requirements.

“Despite these, the said walk-in persons did not submit the duly communicated requirements,” it said.

It further alleged that an email circulated among faculty included a “5-step game plan” intended to disrupt proceedings. “It is apparent that the motivation is not to seek transparency,” the statement added.

Faculty raise transparency concerns

Some faculty members, however, have raised concerns about financial accountability and governance.

Broadcast communication professor Cecile Ilagan said the issue involved a significant reduction in available funds, noting that from around ₱4 million, “only about ₱400,000 remained,” based on their assessment as trustees.

A manifesto signed by several faculty members also stated that dues payments were being held in escrow, citing concerns over how funds are being handled.

In separate remarks, Ilagan called for greater transparency and accountability in the foundation’s financial processes.

Background on the foundation

The UPCMCFI is a private, non-stock, non-profit organization established in 1987 to support the UP College of Mass Communication’s programs and initiatives.

It undertakes projects related to media education, research, and training, and collaborates with local and international institutions. Its board is composed of volunteer alumni and faculty members and operates independently of the college’s executive board.

As of writing, the foundation said it is pursuing legal remedies to recover the missing funds, while internal discussions on governance and accountability continue.

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