President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo yesterday said the retake of parts of the June 2006 nursing licensure examinations will have to wait for the results of a task force seeking reconsideration from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools.

The task force, headed by Bacolod Rep. Monico Puentevella, that is going to the United States asked her to give them until March 4 to try to convince the CGFNS to allow nurses who passed the controversial board examination to secure visas to practice in the US, Arroyo said in a pooled media interview in Malacañang.

"What they are asking me is until March 4, so it is better that we don't speak of a retake because it is like sabotaging the efforts of this congressional task force; let us give them another chance, that is what they are asking," she added.

The task force head by Puentevella is composed of the Professional Regulation Commission chief Leonor Rosero, Board of Nursing chairperson Eufemia Octaviano, Renato Aquino and Dr. Natanielz.

Puentevella last night said he is still awaiting word from the CGFNS officials on whether it is still necessary for the task force to go to the United States.

While we are seeking a reversal of the CGFNS officials decision, the chances are still very slim, he said.

But if they give us a chance for a dialog, anything can happen, he said.

If the CGFNS officials reverse their position it would mean new lives for 17,000 families, he added.

The CGFNS decided to make a retake of the leak-tainted tests 3 and 5 of the June board a requirement for the issuance of a VisaScreen certificate, which is needed for medical workers seeking US work visas, to the 17,000 nurses who passed the board last June.

Arroyo's chief legal counsel, Sergio Apostol, has advised the June 2006 board passers to retake the tests, reports from Manila said.

"That is a rule in the United States. If you want to go to the States, you follow their rules; if you do not want, never mind," Apostol was quoted as saying.*CPG

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