TARLAC CITY, Tarlac (April 16, 2026) — The search for the next president of Tarlac State University (TSU) is set to proceed without the inclusion of one candidate after a local court declined to issue a writ of preliminary injunction yesterday.
The legal setback for Gherold Benitez became clear as the 20-day period for such relief approached its expiration today, April 16, effectively greenlighting the search committee to move forward with the selection process for the remaining candidates — Niño Corpuz, Marlon Gamido, Agnes Macaraeg, Robert Marcos, and Jasper Jay Mendoza.
The court has granted the petitioners a five-day window to submit a formal offer of evidence. However, the lack of an immediate stay means the TSU Board of Regents can now initiate the selection of a new leader.
Maura Consolacion Cristobal, Director of the Commission on Higher Education Region III, has been serving as the institution’s Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the President since the departure of former president Arnold Velasco on April 1, 2026.
