AMA Computer University

Infobox_University
name =


motto = "Never rest on one's laurels"
established = October 15, 1980
type = Private
president = Amable Aguiluz IX
city = Quezon City
state = Metro Manila
country = Philippines
address = Villa Arca, Project 8
undergrad = Approx. 2500
postgrad = Approx. 50
staff= Approx. 50
campus = 25,000 m²
free_label = Hymn
free = The AMA Hymn
nickname = The AMACU Titans
mascot = Jolina Magdangal
colors = Blue █ and Gold █
affiliations = NAASCU, [http://www.geocities.com/pacu_org2002/quest.html Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities (PACU)]
website= [http://www.ama-university.com/ www.ama-university.com]

AMA Computer University (AMACU) is a university located in Project 8, Quezon City, Philippines. It focuses mainly on electronic, information, and communication technologies. It is one of the brands of the AMA Education Group. It follows a trimestral calendar where a typical four year collegiate education program under a semestral calendar is completed in only 3 years and 3 months.

History

AMA Institute

AMA Computer University was founded by Dr. Amable R. Aguiluz V, who named it after the acronym of his father's name, Amable M. Aguiluz, Sr. Dr. Aguiluz resolved to provide education on the field of computer technology, based on his experience in computer sales. Aguiluz founded the AMA Institute of Computer Studies with the first computer school located along Shaw Boulevard on October 20, 1980. At that time, AMA Institute of Computer Studies offered short-term courses in Electronic Data Processing Fundamentals, Basic Programming, and Technology Career. Only 13 students enrolled at the AMA Institute of Computer Studies during the first semester.

AMA Computer College, branches and sister schools

AMA Computer College came into existence in June 1981. It extended its services through a four-year Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. With only a handful of students in its first year of operation, the AMACC student population rose dramatically from 600 in 1983 to 2,000 in 1985 in its first official campus in Makati City. Shortly after, it established its main campus in Quezon City. Two provincial campuses were then founded in Cebu and Davao City.

With the passage of the Philippine Higher Education Act of 1994, privately controlled educational institutions' academic fees were deregulated. AMA solved the problem of low student population by embarking on an aggressive marketing, advertising and information campaign. With this type of strategy, profit-oriented schools started to grow.

The emergence of AMACC also led to the birth of AMA Computer Learning Center (ACLC) in 1986 and AMA Telecommunication & Electronic Learning Center in 1996. The former engages in offering short-course programs for professionals and two-year technical/vocational courses for those who wish to acquire employment skills. The latter is the one of the first schools in the Philippines to concentrate on telecommunication, electronics, and related technologies.

AMA has adopted a principle of being the first to do things. It was the first school in the country to fully integrate the Internet into its curriculum. Internet services were provided in all its campuses. Since 1987, all major AMA colleges have been interconnected through a local area network (LAN), which virtually converted them into one nationwide school system. AMA is also the first and only school in the country to have successfully held a teleconference between its high school students and another high school class in Canada in 1994.

In 1991, Aguiluz was able to gain full accreditation for AMA Computer College in the American League of Colleges and Universities (ALOCU), thus, making AMA the first Filipino and non-American school to be so honored. Moreover, AMACC became an official member of the John F. Kennedy Educational Institute in Japan. AMACC is also accredited by the National Computing Centre United Kingdom.

Elevation to University

AMACU's Quality Management System has been ISO 9001-certified since March 1999 by Société Générale de Surveillance International Certification Services Canada, Inc.Fact|date=August 2007

AMA Computer College of Quezon City became AMA Computer University following the conferment of university status by the Philippine government's Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on August 20, 2001.Fact|date=August 2007

In 2003, AMA Computer University inked a partnership with Carnegie Mellon University's "iCarnegie" to use its curriculum and courses through e-learning. As stated by iCarnegie President and CEO Allan Fisher, "the academic relationship between AMA and iCarnegie went well, the business side of the agreement did not go as planned". [Oliva, Erwin and Joel Pinaroc. [http://www.scitech.gov.ph/butter.php?opt=3&n_sw=1&newsid=384 STI sues AMA over iCarnegie row] . From INQ7.net, via Philippine Science and Technology Portal. 2003-05-15. Retrieved on 2007-08-06.]

Other AMA Computer College Campuses

The Philippine Commission on Higher Education (CHED) did not accredit other AMA campuses to use the title “University” and only permitted to use the title of “College” or “Institute” as these campuses have not met the requirements needed by the Philippine academic regulatory body.

On 2003, AMA Education system brokered a partnership with the government of Bahrain to establish the AMA International University in Manama.

The AMA Education Group has an annual student population of 150,000 and more than 200 campuses in the Philippines and other parts of the world. However, the AMA USA campus is still not accredited.

Athletic Programs

In the 1990s, many criticized AMA for not participating in any athletic associations.Fact|date=February 2007 Many students were surprised when AMA joined the Philippine Basketball League without any signed talents from the AMA Education system. PBL stripped AMA's membership in the basketball league due to failure of payment of fees. [http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/resolutions/1st/2004/1May/143649.htm AMA vs CA : 143649 : May 17, 2004 : Atty. Esguerra-Vidal : First Division ] ] [http://ca.supremecourt.gov.ph/cardis/CV77787.pdf AMA Computer College, Inc. vs. Philippine Basketball League Ruling] ]

In 2000, AMA joined the National Capital Region Athletic Association as it failed to garner support in joining the NCAA.Fact|date=February 2007 AMA remained in the bottom standings up until today. In 2001, AMA joined the newly created National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (NAASCU). The AMACU Titans had a rocky start but in 2006, they beat their corporate rivals, the STI Olympians and became the 2006 NAASCU Champions. It currently participates in the Collegiate National Championship [ [http://www.collegiatechampionsleague.com/teams.shtml CCL 4th Collegiate Champions League] . (Commercial website). Retrieved on 2007-07-06.] , composed of top ranked varsity teams in the Philippines.

Dataline

Dataline, The official student publication of the university, holds office at the 2nd Floor of the College Building, the publication is required to release an issue each term. It is one of the two official and recognized student organizations of the university, the other being the Student Council (SC).

The Dataline Editorial Board at the start of each academic year or upon a vast vacancy of positions undergo a series of examinations, both oral and written, as mandated in the University handbook and through the revised constitution (as of SY 2005-2006). Selected professors from the College of Arts and Science (CAS) serve as the selection committee for the organization.

It is an autonomous organization funded and managed by and for the students of AMA Computer University.

The Dataline adviser is duly assigned by the current Editorial board and only serves as a technical adviser.

The Dataline mascots are Demetrio and Demetria("Demet and Demi" for short) whose campus "misadventures" are created and drawn by Jed (batch 2000-2002 Dataline) and continued by the current cartoonist, Guadha Peralta (batch 2005-2008).

Despite being part of the university's miscellaneous fees, the publication is being released only two to three times in an academic year. These budget release problems caused the organization to cease its publication from 2005 (after posters calling for the immediate release of the Student Council and Datalines funds where seen outside the campus; the issue was a magazine and a newsletter) and was only able to release an issue as of July 2007. Past Editors-in-Chief include: Hansche Cuasay, Lew Herrera, Ernan Josef Queja, Gemma Louise Heaton, John Patrick Dua, Ramil Adonis, Noel P. Orate and Virgil delos Santos

Controversies surrounding the AMA Education System

ILOVEYOU virus

In 1999, a student from AMA Computer College Makati named Onel de Guzman submitted a thesis proposal for the creation of a computer program that will hack into computer systems and extract vital information, particularly Internet Service accounts. [ [http://www.computerbytesman.com/lovebug/thesis.htm Onel de Guzman's rejected thesis proposal at AMA Computer College] . (Personal website, Richard M. Smith). Computerbytesman.com. Retrieved on 2007-07-06.] The proposal was unanimously rejected by the College of Computer Studies academic board. De Guzman was scheduled to complete his studies in 2000 and an academic subject called "THESIS A" was one of his final requirements before graduation. After AMA's graduation day on May 3, 2000, an email trojan called ILOVEYOU spread all throughout the globe and caused delays in several online transactions. The "ILOVEYOU" virus unleashed a flood of e-mail that hit at least 45 million users in at least 20 countries, according to one estimate. The virus started with "ILOVEYOU" in the subject line, but several variations appeared soon afterward, including one masquerading as an e-mail joke and another as a receipt for a Mother's Day gift. The virus both replicates itself and steals the user names and passwords of unsuspecting victims. The e-mail replies from angry virus recipients to the creator passed through a U.S. e-mail address, "[e-mail]", which then forwarded them to the two Access.Net (Philippine Internet Service Provider) e-mail accounts used by the virus creator - "[e-mail]" and "[e-mail]". [ [http://www.landfield.com/isn/mail-archive/2000/May/0023.html Internet Security News: [ISN FBI investigates e-mails sent to virus author ] ]

The virus, according to Guinness World Records, was the most widespread computer virus of all time.Fact|date=February 2007 The virus was traced to an apartment room in downtown Manila. The tenant was Onel de Guzman. Guzman was invited by the Philippines' National Bureau of Investigation for questioning. De Guzman, in an interview, admitted spreading the virus "by accident". [cite web |url=http://www.asiaweek.com/asiaweek/technology/2000/1013/tech.interview.html |title= Hacking Takes a Holiday: The Love Bug suspect is talking but not confessing |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20060516023301/http://www.asiaweek.com/asiaweek/technology/2000/1013/tech.interview.html |archivedate=2006-05-16. Asiaweek.com, 2000-10-13, Vol. 26, No. 40. Retrieved on 2007-07-06.] . In reaction to the news, AMA expelled de Guzman from AMA Makati and considered him as "drop-out" for life. The NBI charged De Guzman for violation of [http://www.chanrobles.com/republicactno8484.htm Republic Act 8484] or the Access Devices Regulation Act on 1998. [Cohen, Adam. [http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,45155,00.html School for Hackers] . "Time", 2000-05-14. Retrieved on 2007-07-06.] But due to lack of sufficiency the Philippine Department of Justice dropped the charges as there was no clear laws regulating the World Wide Web. Due to this incident, June 14, 2000, [http://www.chanrobles.com/republicactno8792.htm Republic Act 8792] known as Philippine Electronic Commerce Act of 2000 was signed.

Political Affiliations

Amable Aguiluz V was Joseph Estrada's political endorser in the 1998 Presidential elections. [Suh, Sangwon and Antonio Lopez. cite web |url=http://www.asiaweek.com/asiaweek/98/0626/nat_1_eraphil.html |title= Hail to the New Chief: President-elect Joseph "Erap" Ejercito Estrada is already beginning to put his own stamp on the nation. Most are pleased about it - but not all |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20061014180251/http://www.asiaweek.com/asiaweek/98/0626/nat_1_eraphil.html |archivedate=2006-10-14. Asiaweek.com, 1998-06-26. Retrieved on 2007-07-06.] AMA was the first educational institution to award Joseph Estrada with a degree of Doctor of Humanities honoris causa.Fact|date=February 2007 Aguiluz used the AMA campuses in various political rallies and forced students to attend as part of their academic attendance record.Fact|date=February 2007 In 1998, Estrada appointed Aguiluz as Presidential adviser on Information and Communication Technology and on 1999 as chairman of the Presidential Commission on Year 2000 Compliance. Aguiluz brought officials of AMA into the commission and many business leaders criticised the commission from being an extension of AMA.Fact|date=February 2007 Aguiluz resigned from the Commission in November 1999 due to a controversial purchase of equipment by the commission from a subsidiary of the AMA Group of Companies.

In 2001, Aguiluz switched affiliations to Gloria Macapagal Arroyo because Estrada was jailed and Aguiluz was afraid to be handed the same fate.Fact|date=February 2007 Aguiluz's father Amable Aguiluz Sr. was Diosdado Macapagal' s friend and Aguiluz Sr. served as Chairman and Auditor-general of the Commission on Audit in the 1960s. [ [http://www.ops.gov.ph/speeches2003/speech-2003nov12a.htm PGMA's Speech during the 23rd AMA Computer University Foundation Day and Education Computer College Celebration: AMA Computer University Gymnasium Villa Arca, Project 8, Quezon City (12 Nov. 2003)] . (Speech transcript). Office of the Press Secretary, Republic of the Philippines, 2003-11-12. Retrieved on 2007-07-06.] Arroyo was invited to AMA's sponsored political rallies. In 1995, Arroyo attended a political rally in AMA when she ran for re-election as senator. Arroyo attended all graduation rites for AMA from 2002 to 2005. [ [http://www.news.ops.gov.ph/archives2004/may04.htm GMA lauds AMA education system's role in moulding 'Filipinos of the future'] . (Press release). Office of the Press Secretary, Republic of the Philippines, 2004-05-04. Retrieved on 2007-07-06.] Arroyo cited AMA for not participating in cause oriented and student activist groups. [ [http://www.ops.gov.ph/speeches2002/speech-2002may03a.htm PGMA's Speech during the First Commencement Exercises of AMA Computer University'] . (Press release). Office of the Press Secretary, Republic of the Philippines, 2002-05-03. Retrieved on 2008-02-07.] Arroyo appointed Aguiluz as Presidential Adviser for the Middle East. [ [http://www.gcc-envoy.gov.ph/Default.asp Office of the Special Envoy - Republic of the Philippines ] ]

Hello Garci scandal

The 2005 Hello Garci scandal, also known as the 2004 Presidential election rigging controversy, is one of the controversies against the President Gloria Arroyo. AMA, using its income from the university, commissioned four related SWS national public opinion surveys dated October 22 and 27, 2005. [ [http://www.sws.org.ph/pr060425.htm SWS Media Release: 18 April 2006 ] ] These questions are:
1) "The Congress and Senate are just wasting money and time in their investigations regarding jueteng and the Garci tapes", 2) "The opposition does not have a clear plan for the country. Its only objective is to bring down the current administration", 3) "Often, news on television, on radio and in newspapers are purely negative and are no longer helping the country", 4) "In spite of the accusations being hurled against Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, she still continues to implement good reforms".
Many militant groups and opposition politicians questioned the survey questions. The results of the survey are:
* On the first test statement, about half (54%) of Filipinos agree, while a fifth (22%) disagree, and another fifth (20%) are undecided. The net agreement is +32, indicating moderate agreement;
* On the second test statement, 37% of Filipinos agree, while 28% disagree, and 31% are undecided. The net agreement is +9, indicating a split opinion;
* On the third test statement, 41% of Filipinos agree, while 29% disagree, and 28% are undecided. The net agreement is +12, indicating a slight agreement.
* On the last test statement, 37% of Filipinos agree, 34% disagree, and 26% are undecided. The net agreement (% agree minus % disagree) is +3, indicating a split opinion.

Accreditation Issues

On November 12, 2004, 23 Philippine nursing schools were disqualified, including AMA Computer College, Makati. CHED chairman Rolando dela Rosa ordered these schools to close. The 23 schools were not granted permits (upon recommendation of Technical Committee for Nursing Education (TCNE) and regional offices) because they failed to comply with these requirements: a qualified dean, a compliant curriculum, a faculty staff with masteral degree in nursing, a base hospital where students can hold their actual training. A few weeks after, dela Rosa resigned after AMACC appealed the case to President Gloria Arroyo [ [http://www.iaomc.org/PhilippineEducationCimmission.pdf A Political Education in the Philippines By MARTHA ANN OVERLAND] ] [ [http://www.nacionalistaparty.com/articles04.html Higher-Education Lows] ] .

Many of the offered courses in most of the AMACC and ACLC small branches are not accredited. [ [http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=107457 ABS-CBN News Online (Beta) ] ] [ [http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Letters%20to%20the%20Editor&p=49&type=2&sec=127&aid=20080203104 Philippine Star - Articles ] ] There was this case of electronics and communications engineering students were not allowed to take the board exams because their course were not recognized by the Commission on Higher Education.

Dasmariñas school attempted takeover

On June 2, 2003, close to 50 persons what were described by eyewitnesses as “goons” entered three of Immaculate Conception Academy (ICA)'s five campuses in Dasmariñas, Cavite. In affidavits submitted to the court, school officials said that despite their pleas, the men wantonly took computers, air-conditioning units, speech laboratory equipment, various appliances, vehicles, and a total of PhP 208,000.00 in tuition collected that day. The men did all these upon the orders of Judge Dolores Español of the regional trial court in the neighboring town of Imus. Before the year ended, the Supreme Court reprimanded the judge, for ordering the confiscation of school properties without properly notifying ICA and its chief executive officer, Dr. Paulo C. Campos. Español's order was cancelled and nullified, and she was eventually stripped of the civil case involving ICA.

It stemmed from a case that the AMA filed to acquire the school. At the time, the school already had a total of around 4,000 grade school and high school students in five campuses in different parts of Dasmariñas. In a rapidly industrializing town where real estate is at a premium, each ICA campus reportedly measures no less than five hectares. Its biggest branch, occupying a 10-hectare area that’s visible from the highway, was also near a property that AMA was renting.

In 2000, ICA and AMA signed a contract for AMA to lease ICA for around PhP 800,000.00 a month for 10 years. In 2003, Campos received from AMA a total of around Php 4,000,000.00 representing the bond, deposits, advance rental, and various fees. Shortly after, Dr. Campos learned that AMA was suing him and ICA for allegedly breaching their contract. AMA claimed that it was deceived into signing the agreement when one of the buildings being rented out was defective—a fact that, Campos claims, he didn’t hide during the negotiations through an official notice from the municipal engineer. Campos said AMA suddenly “became aggressive and wanted to buy” ICA. He felt that his refusal to sell was what triggered the case filed by AMA.

In Civil Case No. 1662-98, AMA demanded that it be reimbursed for some PhP 4 million that it had paid to ICA as five months’ security deposit and three months’ advance rental. Thus, the court order to confiscate ICA’s properties. AMA reportedly filed the information with a fiscal in Quezon City and was dismissed. It was refiled with another Quezon City prosecutor and was dismissed again. It was then filed with the Philippine Department of Justice, where it was also dismissed. [ [http://newsbreak.com.ph/index.php?option=com_jcs&task=add&Itemid=88889371 Newsbreak Online ] ]

Land lease dispute

On April 16, 1991, AMA filed with the Regional Trial Court a complaint for suspension as an attorney against Atty. A. D. Valmonte, under Section 27 [4] and Section 28, [5] Rule 138 of the Revised Rules of Court. The case was docketed as Civil Case No. 91-1038.

The complaint alleges that sometime in 1983, AMA and Emilio V. Tayao executed a contract of lease over the latter’s parcel of land. The parties agreed, among others, that the period of the lease shall be for six (6) years; that the land will be used by AMA as site for its school; and that it has an option to purchase the property.

When AMA was about to exercise its option to buy the land, Tayao commenced a scheme to frustrate the former’s plan by obtaining a loan from an absent party – the FELN International Corporation (FELN). To secure the loan, he executed three (3) simulated promissory notes amounting to PhP 4,500,000.00 in favor of FELN. The notes were without any consideration. Allegedly, Tayao defaulted in the payment of the loan. So, on July 13, 1989, FELN, through its alleged president Lai Chen Hsung, filed with the Regional Trial Court a fabricated complaint for collection of a sum of money against Tayao, docketed as Civil Case No. 89-4567. FELN’s counsel was respondent Atty. A. D. Valmonte.

On July 24, 1989, Tayao and FELN executed a Compromise Agreement whereby the former will pay the loan on or before July 31, 1989. This Compromise Agreement was approved by the trial court in its Compromise Judgment dated August 8, 1989. Subsequently, FELN filed with the trial court a motion for execution of its Compromise Judgment alleging that Tayao failed to comply with his obligation on time, specifically to pay his loan of PhP 50,000,000.00. The motion was granted. Eventually, the building occupied by petitioner was levied upon by the sheriff.

AMA then filed with the trial court a motion to lift the order of levy and execution but it was denied on the ground that the Compromise Judgment has become final and executory. This prompted AMA to file with the Regional Trial Court a complaint for suspension as attorney against Valmonte. AMA alleged therein that Valmonte committed fraudulent acts by filing a “mock action” for sum of money against Tayao based on fictitious promissory notes. Valmonte’s purpose was to deprive petitioner of its option to buy the subject property which, because of the levy on execution, disrupted the academic operation of its school with 3,000 students. In his answer to AMA’s complaint, Valmote alleged that there was no lawyer-client relationship between him and Tayao. The Compromise Judgment in Civil Case No. 89-4567 has long become final and executory and bars AMA from assailing the same.

On September 4, 1990, the trial court issued an order dismissing the complaint for non-suit and authorized Valmonte to adduce his evidence ex-parte. Petitioner filed a motion for reconsideration which was partly granted by the trial court by allowing counsel to cross-examine respondent.On May 17, 1996, the trial court rendered its decision in favor of Valmonte, ordering AMA to pay the latter PhP 300,000.00 as moral damages and PhP 50,000.00 as attorney’s fees. On appeal, the Court of Appeals, in its decision promulgated on April 20, 2001, affirmed the decision of the trial court. AMA filed a motion for reconsideration, but it was denied by the appellate court in its resolution dated September 6, 2001. AMA filed a petition for review on certiorari before the Supreme Court. The Supreme court denied AMA's petition and the decision and resolution of the Court of Appeals were affirmed.

Labor Issues

High school principal termination case

On January 23, 2007, the Supreme Court affirmed the decision of the National Labor Relations Commission declaring as illegal the termination of Zenaida Garay, a high school principal.

Garay was promoted as high school principal May 13, 1996 but an incident four days later led to her illegal dismissal by AMA. An AMA cashier, Sarah Pechardo, carried a brown envelope containing PhP 47,299.34 to the comfort room of the high school. While inside, she placed the envelope on top of the toilet bowl tank. After she left the room, she realized the envelope was left behind, hence she returned to the comfort room, but the envelope was already gone. Pechardo reported the incident to Carmelita Condenuevo, AMA area director, and told her that the only person she recalled entering the comfort room after her was Garay. Condenuevo immediately ordered the investigation of Pechardo and Garay. Garay was subjected to physical inspection and her office was searched. But the school officers did not find the envelope. Thereafter, Garay was brought to the barangay office and the incident was entered in its blotter. On May 20, 1996, she was preventively suspended.

School officials served Garay several notices to appear during the hearings and to submit her written explanation. Garay complied but the hearings were always cancelled. On June 19, 1996, AMA terminated Garay’s employment effective June 20, 1996 on the ground of loss of trust and confidence. On June 21, 1996, school officials sent her another notice directing her to appear on the June 27, 1996 hearing and to submit a written explanation. The hearing was, again, cancelled. On July 1, 1996, AMA finally terminated Garay’s employment.

On August 14, 1996, Garay filed a complaint for illegal dismissal. On September 14, 1998, NLRC Labor Arbiter Eduardo Carpio rendered judgment finding that Garay’s employment was terminated on mere suspicion. He ruled that there was no material and direct evidence to show that Garay took the collections. According to him, while AMA conducted a lengthy investigation to comply with the due process requirement, there was no evidence that established Garay’s guilt during this investigation. NLRC ordered AMA to immediately reinstate her to her former or substantially equal position and pay her backwages computed in the amount of P300,000.00 (July 1, 1996 to December 31, 1998 = 30 months. P10,000.00 x 30 months = P300,000.00), moral damages of PhP 100,000.00 and exemplary damages of PhP 50,000.00.

AMA appealed to the NLRC. NLRC affirmed February 11, 2000 their decision, with the modification that the backwages shall include 13th month pay and five days’ service incentive leave pay. AMA elevated the case to the Court of Appeals, which denied their petition for certiorari and their motion for reconsideration January 16, 2004. AMA then filed the instant petition before the Supreme Court for review. The Supreme Court denied the petition for lack of merit. [ [http://elibrary.supremecourt.gov.ph/decisions.php?doctype=Decisions%20/%20Signed%20Resolutions&docid=a45475a11ec72b843d74959b60fd7bd645c76d0b6ce14 Supreme Court G.R. NO. 162468 AMA, Carmelita Condenuevo vs. Zenaida Garay] . Supreme Court e-Library, Republic of the Philippines, 2007-01-23. Retrieved on 2008-02-08.]

tudent dismissal case

On November 10, 2004, Judge Wenceslao Ibabao of the Regional Trial Court dismissed the case against 48 students and granted the students' motion to discontinue the proceedings after getting assurance from the school administration that they can continue with their studies. The students were ordered dismissed by school management October 4, 2004 for holding a protest rally in front of the school.

The students were dismissed from the school by area director Fortunato Enghog Jr., school director Ernesto Raphael Robillo and the school's disciplinary board after they held a protest rally in front of the school campus without the necessary permit. They said that the dismissal of the students was based on a resolution dated October 9 issued by Student Disciplinary Tribunal, which states that holding of rallies or any related activities without the necessary permit from an authorized school officer is a major offense that merits dismissal as provided for in the student handbook.

The students filed a 13-page civil suit with damages against the school for illegally dismissing them without factual basis. They also claimed their dismissal was null and void and violates their freedom of expression as enshrined in the 1997 Philippine Constitution. They said they held the rally to show support for the preventive suspension of several regular teachers, the implementation of the webcast teaching system and other unresolved issues regarding miscellaneous fees.

Ibabao issued a 20-day temporary restraining order (TRO) dated October 21 against the dismissal of the 48 students in order for them to protect their right to education and freedom of speech. Ibabao then issued an order to police authorities to accompany the dismissed students in going back to school. [ [http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/dav/2004/11/10/news/court.dismisses.case.against.ama.students.html Sun.Star Davao - Court dismisses case against AMA students ] ]

Dataline student journalist dismissal case

On June 20, 2002, the Supreme Court found Judge Percival Mandap Lopez guilty of gross ignorance of the law because of undue delay in the resolution of the writ of preliminary mandatory injunction in Civil Case No. Q-97-30549.

Complainants were students and members of the editorial board of the official school publication called "Dataline". On December 7, 1996, complainants published a spoof edition of the Dataline, which they called "Amable Tonite". After conducting an investigation, the student Disciplinary Tribunal of the college recommended the expulsion of complainants from the school.

On March 14, 1997, complainants and other members of the Dataline editorial board filed a complaint for damages with prayer for the issuance of a writ of preliminary mandatory injunction against then AMA Computer College of Quezon City and Dr. Mauricia Herrera, Dean of Student Affairs. The case was filed in the Regional Trial Court, where it was docketed as Civil Case No. Q-97-30549 and assigned to respondent judge of Branch 78. The students alleged that they had been expelled from the defendant school in a despotic and oppressive manner in violation of their constitutional rights to due process and to free speech as well as the provisions of [http://www.chanrobles.com/republicactno7079.htm Republic Act No. 7079] , otherwise known as the Campus Journalism Act of 1991. They sought an award of damages in their favor and the issuance of a temporary preliminary mandatory injunction to enjoin the defendant school in the meantime to allow them to attend their classes and take their examinations.

On March 25, 1997, AMA Computer College and Dr. Mauricia Herrera contend the petition and state that the articles in the spoof edition which complainants had published were slanderous and derogatory; that Republic Act No. 7079 itself enjoins student publications to observe the pertinent laws and school policies in the selection of articles for publication; that complainants had been given the opportunity to controvert the charges against them before they were expelled; and that the charged students were guilty of using indecent language, committing vulgar and obscene acts, libel, and unauthorized disbursement of Dataline funds in the amount of PhP 25,000.00.

On April 3, 1997, the students filed a reply, contending that the issue in the case was not the alleged defamatory nature of the questioned publication but the legality of their expulsion because they were expelled solely on the basis of their activities as members of the editorial board of Dataline and claiming that they were deprived of their right to due process.

On June 2, 1997, defendants AMA Computer College and Dr. Mauricia Herrera filed a rejoinder, opposing students' prayer for the issuance of a writ of preliminary injunction. They contended that, under Republic Act No. 7079, editorial policies of the student publication should take into account the pertinent laws as well as the school policies in the selection of articles for publication; that the "Amable Tonite" was not a legitimate issue of the Dataline; and that complainants students could have submitted their grievances to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) but the fact was that their complaint was dismissed because of their failure to attend a hearing previously set.

On June 7, 1997, the students pressed their request for the immediate resolution of their application for preliminary mandatory injunction before the end of the enrollment period. They alleged that the delay in the resolution of the writ was due to the defendant school's failure to submit their rejoinder within the period given to them as the rejoinder was actually filed more than a month after the prescribed period had lapsed.

On June 14, 1997, on the basis of the pleadings of the parties, Judge Lopez issued a resolution dismissing the case itself after finding that the expulsion of the complainants from the school was for cause and was effected only after an investigation during which they were duly heard.

The students moved for a reconsideration on the ground that the dismissal of the complaint could not be made solely on the basis of the parties' pleadings and affidavits and that trial must first be conducted to receive the evidence of the parties before the case was decided. They reiterated their allegation that a writ of preliminary injunction was necessary because they were expelled from the school solely on the basis of the articles published in their lampoon edition.

The students then sought the disqualification of respondent judge on the following grounds: (a) that he had deliberately delayed the resolution of the injunctive writ which tended to arouse suspicion as to his ability to decide the case with fairness and integrity; (b) that he dismissed their complaint without legal or procedural basis and thus deprived them of their day in court; and (c) that they filed an administrative case against him with this Court.

The students filed a "Supplement to the Complaint for Dismissal/Separation from Service," dated November 19, 1998, insisting that no hearing had actually been held on March 31, 1997 as both respondent judge and the AMA's counsel failed to appear during the said date and that respondent judge did not show up despite being contacted by his clerk of court by telephone. Moreover, complainants claim that, although the resolution dismissing their case was dated September 26, 1997, it was actually received by them only on February 19, 1998, almost five months after its supposed issuance, raising the suspicion that the resolution had been antedated by respondent judge to make it appear that it was issued prior to the filing of the present administrative complaint.

The Office of the Court Administrator incorporated(OCAI), to which this case was referred, found respondent judge guilty of undue delay and gross ignorance of the law in his handling of Civil Case No. Q-97-30549 and recommended that he be ordered to pay a fine of PhP 2,000.00 with warning that repetition of the same or similar offenses shall be dealt with more severely. The Supreme Court however ruled that without evidence as to their truthfulness or veracity, the allegations filed by the students remained mere allegations and did not rise to the dignity of proof. [ [http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2002/jun2002/am_rtj-02-1696_2002.html A.M. No. RTJ-02-1696 ] ]

Degrees offered

Undergraduate programs

College of Computer Studies

*B.S. Information Technology
*B.S. Computer Science
*B.S. Information Management

College of Engineering

*B.S. Computer Engineering
*B.S. Electronics and Communications Engineering
*B.S. Industrial Engineering

College of Business Administration and Accountancy

*B.S. Business Administration Major in Management
*B.S. Business Administration Major in Financial Management
*B.S. Business Administration Major in Management Information Systems
*B.S. Business Administration Major in Marketing
*B.S. Accountancy

College of Arts and Sciences

*A.B. Economics
*A.B. English
*A.B. Mass Communication
*A.B. Philosophy
*A.B. Political Science
*A.B. Psychology

College of Education

*B.S. in Elementary Education Major in Computer Education
*B.S. in Secondary Education Major in Computer Education

Graduate programs

*M.A. in Computer Education
*M.S. in Computer Science
*M.S. in Business Administration
*M.S. in Public Administration
*Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Basic education programs

AMA Computer University also caters pre-school, elementary, and high school programs under the brand St. Augustine International School.

pecial Certifications

Microsoft Certified Professional

As of AMA Computer University's 1999 curriculum to the present, students under the College of Computer Studies are given the opportunity to pursue certification within the curriculum course. The payment for the certification and examination is covered in the tuition fees, and as such, no extra payments are usually required to take the examination. Representatives from Microsoft Corporation and the school's head office in Panay Avenue, Quezon City oversee the examination proper of the certification.

Cisco Networks

Networking courses are co-handled by Cisco Networks, who also forged partnership with AMA Computer University. As a result, Cisco recognizes AMA students who pass their basic CCNA networking courses with a certificate. It is also possible to pursue the Cisco Certified Network Administrator certification in AMACU. [ [http://newsroom.cisco.com/dlls/global/asiapac/news/2004/pr_12-15.html?CMP=AF17154 AMA Computer University Becomes First Networking Academy in the Philippines to Offer Cisco Certified Network Professional Curriculum] (Press release). Cisco Systems Inc., 2004-12-15. Retrieved on 2007-07-06.]

iCarnegie

The iCarnegie 10-course curriculum and certifications are rooted deeply in the traditions of Carnegie Mellon's School of Computer Science. All academic enrollments in AMA's campuses fall under the iCarnegie program. [ [http://www.icarnegie.com/about/pr/pr_3nov03_2.html AMA Education System Announces 20,000 iCarnegie Course Enrollments for the Fall 2003 Debut of the Leading Software Development Curriculum] . (Press release). iCarnegie, Inc., 2003-11-03. Retrieved on 2007-07-06.]

AMA Computer University Town

The AMA Education Group is now drawing a blueprint of a wide campus named "University Town." Proposed to complete in celebration of its 30th year in 2010, the AMA Computer University Town is a 50-hectare property in General Trias, Cavite. It draws its inspiration from old universities in the western world that spurred rapid development in the Host Township and created neighborhoods that are safe, liveable and walkable. ["AMA Computer University Commencement Exercises programme, May 2002" ] [ [http://www.ama-university.com/about.htm AMA Computer University ] ]

The University Town will serve as another type of multi-use development, a primary institutional complex in a park-like setting.

A network of open space and walkable distances from once destination to the other is laid out primarily to encourage the end-users to walk instead of using motorized vehicles.

Key elements

*Central Park. :The AMA icon is found in the area that serves as venue for congregation and maximum social contact.

*Interactive Hub. :A network of open areas and sheltered places supports IT Activities through utilities that allow hooking up to the internet service and power supply for computer notebook users. The hub also pertains to other areas like the Internet cafes, bars, clubhouses, cooperative houses or student joints. It is called interactive since it encourages real-time interaction among students and other users at anytime anywhere in the world.

*Town Center. :A township in itself, the town center will serve the more commercial needs of the university such as retail, entertainment, neighborhood services and computer-related activities which can be found within a walking distance from any point of origin. The idea is to achieve a self-contained development and at the same time to service the other neighboring communities in the vicinity.

*Main Boulevard: University Avenue. :This tree-lines major road will serve as the Main University Avenue where vehicular and pedestrian circulation is regulated by traffic signs and controls.

*River Walk. :The damning of the creek will serve as the potential river walk that will be a highlight of the open space of the University.

*IT Center. :As the architecture centerpiece, the IT Center is envisioned as an IT Park of e-learning and global on-line university. It serves as the university icon, symbolizing AMA’s vision towards excellence in IT education and technology.

*Institutional Area. :Accentuated by the Ester delos Reyes Aguiluz Memorial Medical Hospital, the Institutional Area incorporates the different buildings, facilities and equipment of the University that are dedicated to education.

*Residential Community. :The master-planned residential enclave within the university's premises is an income-generating prime real estate. The faculty, students, executives or those who are interested to live in the University have choices from single detached to multiple family dwelling units.

ister schools

The AMA Education system also has sister schools under their wing. Unlike the Quezon City campus, whose land is wholly owned, some of the campuses are on rented real estate. The campuses are overseen and monitored by government departments, such Department of Education (DepEd), Technical Skills and Development Authority (TESDA), Commission on Higher Education and the Philippine Maritime and Naval Agency (MARINA), for Norwegian Maritime Institute. Student population mainly determine the longevity of the campuses. Only the main campus of AMA, in Project 8, is accredited with a University status; all else are under study for proper accreditation.

Pursuant to TESDA compliance, the school offers ladderized education as well, a program that allows vocational students to pursue college easily, having their previous vocational course merits credited into their college curriculum.

* AMA Computer College. These are the educational institutions across the Philippines that offer the same programs as AMACU. The campuses in East Rizal, Makati, Malolos Biñan, Pasig, Fairview, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Davao are among these.

* AMA Computer Learning Center. These are the educational institutions across the Philippines that has a similar structure as AMA Computer College but only offer short Information Technology-related programs. These programs range from Certificate (3-month), Diploma (1 year) to Associate (2-years). It uses a semestral (5-month) academic calendar.

* St. Augustine School of Nursing. These are the educational institutions across the Philippines that has a similar structure as AMA Computer Learning Center but only offer short Medical-related programs like caregiver course.

* ABE School of Business and Accountancy. These are the educational institutions across the Philippines that has a similar structure as AMA Computer Learning Center but only offers short business-related programs like e-Commerce Management.

* AMA International Institute of Technology. These are the educational institutions that have a similar structure as AMA Computer Learning Center but only offers short technology-related programs like radio technician course. Formerly " AMA Telecommunication & Electronic Learning Center", it is located in EDSA, Cubao, Quezon City.

* Norwegian Maritime Academy. These are the educational institutions across the Philippines that offer the same programs as AMACU. It focuses only in Maritime-related courses like Marine Engineering.

* AMA Medical School. These are the educational institutions across the Philippines that offers the same programs as AMACU but is under study for accreditation or recognition by the Commission on Higher Education. It focuses only in Medical-related courses like Nursing.

* St. Augustine International (Satellite) School. These are the educational institutions across the Philippines that offer pre-school, elementary, and high school programs but is housed outside AMACU. The institution also claims utilization of the GEMS program for their Math curriculum.

Celebrity Endorsers and AMA'ers

Endorsers:
* Judy Ann Santos (ACLC)
* Sarah Geronimo & Robert Ryan Gonzalvo (AMACC) - current endorser
* Kristine Hermosa (ACLC)
* Jolina Magdangal (AMACC)
* Heart Evangelista (ABE)
* Christian Bautista (St. Augustine) - current endorserFamous Celebrity AMA'ers:
* Rainier Castillo (as freshman before joining Starstruck)
* John Arry Arce

External links

* [http://www.ama-university.com/ AMA Computer University] (Official site).
* [http://www.amaes.edu.ph/ AMA Education System]
* [http://www.amagraduates.net/ AMA Education System Alumni Association Inc.]
* [http://www.youtube.com/v/fVEmS1EiA4E AMA TV Advertisement 1]
* [http://www.youtube.com/v/jdd7TZskhvM AMA TV Advertisement 2]
* [http://www.amaes.edu.ph/ AMA HYMM]

References