The University of Santo Tomas (UST) has disputed claims by its faculty union regarding the distribution of backpay adjustments exceeding P500,000, clarifying that a significantly larger number of teaching personnel will benefit.

In a statement, UST refuted assertions by the UST Faculty Union (USTFU) that only 17 professors would receive backpay of more than half a million pesos from tuition hike shares. The university stated that 137 teaching personnel, holding ranks from Professor 1 to 5 as of 31 March, will receive adjustments from tuition increase proceeds covering academic years 2020 to 2024. UST described the union’s claims as “misleading” and “inaccurate.”

“Claims that only 17 out of nearly 2,000 academic staff will receive more than P500,000 in adjustments are misleading, inaccurate, and based on outdated information,” the university said.

UST also clarified that the distribution of the backpay adjustments is based on factors such as rank, tenure, classification, and workload. The adjustments will range from P314,000 for Instructor I to P570,000 for Professor 5.

“The university’s approach recognizes and rewards academic growth, service length, and performance,” UST explained. “A uniform distribution, regardless of these distinctions, would not lead to an equitable outcome.”

The USTFU had previously contended that only 17 professors with the rank of Professor IV would receive the higher backpay amounts, with the majority of faculty members slated to receive considerably less.

UST emphasized that the adjustments and the distribution method are based on a signed and ratified Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which has served as the foundation for faculty benefits distribution for years.

Furthermore, UST reiterated that the adjustments are necessary due to the delayed CBA and originate from the proceeds of tuition increases implemented between 2020 and 2024.

Amid the ongoing disagreement, UST has filed a petition for assumption of jurisdiction, seeking intervention from the labor secretary to prevent any potential work stoppages.

The university reaffirmed its commitment to providing a “just and equitable distribution of benefits” and emphasized its willingness to engage in constructive dialogue in the best interests of the entire Thomasian community.