It is through tough and trying times that true brotherhood – one so true that it never falters, is tested. The PGH directorship issue is one of those times. For almost a year, the brods of the Phi Kappa Mu has stood beside Brod Jose “Jogon” Castillo Gonzales ϕ69 in fighting for justice and due process. Last December 23, a Quezon City Regional Trial Court, through Judge Luisito Cortez, issued a court order reinstating Jogon as the director of the Philippine General Hospital after being unjustifiably removed from the position, February this year. It wasn’t just a victory for Brod Jogon. It was also a victory for the fraternity and his other supporters.

For everyone’s information, the UP Board of Regents (BOR), the highest governing body of the UP System, selected Jogon as the PGH Director last December 18, 2009. The PGH Directorship controversy started last January 4 of this year when UP President Emerlinda Roman postponed the oath taking of Brod Jogon as PGH director due to a protest of one of the members of the BOR regarding Jogon’s appointment. This eventually led to her appointment of UP Manila Chancellor Ramon Arcadio as the “temporary officer-in-charge” of PGH. A series of unfortunate events then ensued as the BOR declared the position vacant. Last February 25, the BOR voted for a second time, and selected Dr. Rolando Domingo as the PGH Director.

Jogon’s unjust removal from the position was demoralizing, but it lit a fire in the hearts of his supporters. As a result, the “Ibalik ang Tama” Movement was born, led by Brods Iggy Agbayani ϕ86 and Jonas Del Rosario ϕ86. It was a fight for justice and due process, and it was definitely not easy. Despite all of the hardships, the brods of the Phi Kappa Mu stood beside Jogon. In addition, overseas brods offered their support, thanks to Phi International President Bill Romero ϕ77. Even the UP College of Medicine College Council recognized Jogon as the rightful PGH Director. However, after a few months worth of rallies, petitions, and barricades, to be frank, nothing happened. Brod Jogon was left with no other choice but to leave everything in the hands of the legal system of the Philippines. He filed a case against UP for his unjust removal – a case that would normally take several years to resolve. At the time, a legal battle favored Jogon, thanks to his expert lawyers, not to mention his very strong case. What was issued last December 23 was only the result of the petition for a preliminary injunction, not the actual case. Nonetheless, the court order that was issued recognized Jogon to be the legitimate PGH Director, until the case he filed is resolved. In addition, it ordered the BOR to recognize the original appointment of Jogon as PGH Director. Finally, the rightful PGH Director is back in his office. After almost a year of fighting for what is right, it's unbelievable that this was the outcome. Yes, Dr. Jose Gonzales is our PGH Director, and for sure, it'll be great for us members of the PGH community.

Most Filipinos think that justice in the Philippines is almost non-existent. What happened to Brod Jogon should be seen as a sign that there is still hope. Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things. In the bleakest times of this controversy, it was hope that kept everyone going. It is great that in the end, it was the rightful side that came out victorious. On a lighter note, justice served turned out to be a great Christmas present!

Congratulations to Brod Jose “Jogon” Castillo Gonzales, the rightful PGH Director! Sa wakas, nabalik din ang lahat sa tama!