Retaking exam won’t restore credibility of the profession

INQ7.net
Last updated 05:12am (Mla time) 10/04/2006

WHERE has justice gone? Malacañang’s decision on retaking the nursing licensure examination is an apparent manifestation of an unjust and unlawful political system. The results of the June exam showed leakage of exam questions and answers. The alleged sources were two review centers (Gapuz Review center and Inress Review Canter), and two officials of the Professional Regulation Commission were allegedly involved. As a result, the commission altered the computation of grades in order to produce a fair and rational score.

The licenses of successful examinees are on hold while their lives depend on a profession that has a tarnished image. That image is definitely indelible. Retaking the examination would not restore the credibility of the nursing profession.

The successful examinees, including myself, are being victimized -- being judged, doubted and undervalued. Worse, we are being punished for something we are not guilty of, and are deprived of our right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Majority of the successful examinees did not benefit from the exam leak. The people that benefited from the leak and have admitted to authorities that they did so are not only willing but also legally deserve to receive the necessary punishment. Furthermore, it is the prerogative of the Professional Regulation Commission to decide on the rightful recipients of the license.

Punishment of the innocent is a reflection of a poor political system. What kind of decision would one make without considering all the facts? How could the solution be formulated if a part of the equation is absent?

We are already convicted despite the legal basis and the proved innocence. Where has justice gone?

YNA MARIANO, 6554 Bonner Avenue, North Hollywood, California (via e-mail)