Please publish the Malacanang telephone number that one can call to verify messages purportedly emanating from the Palace.

So far, three telephone messages from Malacanang have been left at my office. The first message names me officer-in-charge of Danao City; the second orders me to take over the Commission on Population; and the third tells me to hold myself in readiness to replace Atty. Bienvenido Tan at the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

Neither my professional standing nor my political connections warrant mt being considered for any of these positions.

All these phone calls are obviously pranks played by those students of mine who have seen the grades I gave them for this semester. These pranksters almost certainly got the idea from the way the unfortunate Dr. Isagani Cruz made a fool of himself at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

I am afraid (especially with April Fool’s Day right around the corner) that some of my better-established, better-connected (and, perhaps, more swell-headed) colleagues may be fooled by such calls.

A phone number they can call for verification would save a lot of embarrassment all around.

Thank you for your consideration.

QUIRINO TORRES