MANGALDAN – The number one examinee of the 2006 nursing board examinations that was marred by an alleged leakage branded as “unfair” on Thursday the decision of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo that he and the rest of the passers will retake the examination.

“This is most unfair to all of us who worked so hard to pass the examinations,” said 20-year old Gringo Sandiego who did his alma mater, University of Pangasinan, proud by topping the examination.

Sandiego, son of an accountant who turned taxi driver/operator in Manila, was said about the decision because that will invalidate the result of the examination and put to naught his accomplishment as topnother which he said he worked hard for.

He graduated cum laude in nursing and in high school, he earned many academic medals, said Gringo’s father Rodolfo, also bitter at the decision.

But Gringo said if it cannot be prevented any more, he will retake the examination as he really wants to be a licensed nurse so he can work and help his parents, especially now that his father has stopped driving his taxi.

“I will prepare but since we have no money to spend for another review, I will just self-review,” said Sandiego, second in brood of five of the Sandiego couple from barangay Amansabina, Mangaldan.

He said he took his preparations at Review University of Nursing in Sta. Mesa, Manial which he said, was not involved in the leakage issue.

Believing that they were given a raw deal in that decision of the President, Sandiego said this is also the sentiment of other passers who already got in touch with him.

“We were all surprised as we did not expect the President to decide that way. This was a virtual turn-around from her previous pronouncement giving the PRC (Professionals Regulation Commission) the hand to decide on the matter,” the younger Sandiego said.

He said the PRC earlier declared that there will be no retaking of the examination, so all of those who passed the test were happy, until the Presidents’ latest decision.

With a pain in his heart, Sandiego said the decision came at a time when the temporary restraining order issued by the Court of Appeal on the issue is almost expiring.

“Pina-asa kami. Pinaghintay lang kami sa wala,” (We were made to hope. We were made to wait for nothing),” Sandiego told newsmen who sought him at his home.

He said many of the passes are now exasperated because of the constant changes of decisions of officials on the issue that is affecting them. Sandiego said that because of the decision of President Arroyo, some of the nursing passers who are in Manila are set to hold an indignation rally in front of the PRC office on Paredes street to question for them to retake the examination.

Sandiego said his classmates wanted him to join the rally but he begged off because he can not even afford to pay for his bus fare to Manila at this time.