The Quezon City Government is considering legal action against Bestlink College of the Philippines following severe safety lapses during its off-campus Foundation Day event in Hermosa, Bataan.

The event, held on January 26, sparked outrage from local officials, parents, and students due to poor planning and safety measures.

During an oversight committee hearing led by Vice Mayor Gian Sotto, city officials condemned the college’s lack of coordination with local authorities and its failure to implement a concrete safety plan.

Reports revealed that only six ambulances were assigned to cover the massive gathering, while students faced extreme conditions, including delays in transportation and exposure to the heat, leading to exhaustion and dehydration.

Testimonies from students and parents highlighted logistical failures, with many attendees forced to walk long distances due to inadequate transport arrangements.

Social media posts documenting students fainting and suffering from heat-related illnesses further fueled public criticism of the event's handling.

PMAJ Phoe Pangan Jr. of the Hermosa Municipal Police Station stated that event organizers initially informed authorities that only 17,000 students would attend, but the actual number surged to 25,000—discovered just a day before the event—placing additional strain on local resources and emergency services.

'Irresponsible and Insensitive'

Mayor Joy Belmonte strongly rebuked the school’s response, particularly its dismissal of student concerns as “fake news.”

“It is both irresponsible and insensitive for Bestlink College of the Philippines to dismiss students’ legitimate concerns as fake news. This incident could have been avoided had they prioritized the safety and welfare of their students,” Belmonte said. “I urge the school administration to hold themselves accountable instead of blaming and threatening students who dared to speak up.”

The Quezon City Government is now reviewing legal options to hold Bestlink College accountable, assuring students and parents that their concerns will not be ignored and reaffirming its commitment to holding institutions accountable for negligence.