UST student kicked out over abuse case

MANILA, Philippines — The University of Santo Tomas (UST) has kicked out a senior student accused of physically abusing a fellow student.

Student publication The Varsitarian reported the expulsion of College of Science student Kyle Viray, who was found guilty of violating the university’s code of conduct and discipline.

He was “excluded” from the roll of students and “disqualified” from enrolling in any program offered by the university, according to The Varsitarian.

It was the second physical abuse claim filed against Viray, who earlier this year was penalized with 250 hours of community service for physically abusing a former girlfriend.

Last month, the second complainant revealed her experience with Viray in a series of tweets that have since gone viral.

She also slammed the “leniency” that the university showed in handling the first abuse case against the student.

The Varsitarian said Viray did not attend the conference set by the student discipline committee assigned to handle the second complaint against him.

Amid uproar over the initial penalty imposed on Viray, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) officer-in-charge J. Prospero de Vera said they cannot simply intervene as universities have their respective disciplinary procedures.

He said CHED may intervene only if the students elevate the matter to the commission after exhausting all efforts at the university level.