Quezon City (14 October) -- Malacañang said today it respects the Court of Appeals’ ruling requiring a "selective retake" of the scandal-ridden nursing licensure examination held last June.

"We are bound to abide and respect the decision of the Court of Appeals in order to revive the integrity of the nursing profession while being fair to all," Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye said in a statement.

Bunye said that the court’s decision does not mean the end of government efforts to restore the integrity of nursing licensure examinations. "Those who are guilty will be punished while those who are innocent will be spared," he said, referring to those responsible for the cheating scandal.

"We shall continue to undertake all measures to make sure that this unfortunate incident is not repeated," he added.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said Malacanang is happy with the Court of Appeals’ decision lifting the temporary restraining order (TRO) on the oath-taking of the successful nursing examinees.

"Natutuwa rin naman tayo na meron isinalin na isang kundisyon na sinasabi, if there is no prejudice for ordering a retake doon sa mga nakapasa na nagsi-attend ng review doon sa tatlong review centers," Ermita said in an interview over DZRH Radio.

He said that based on the results of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) investigation the test leakage happened during the final coaching of the examinees conducted by three review centers.

He said the government is now waiting for the final recommendations of Labor Secretary Arturo Brion, who was directed by President Arroyo to submit a report on the matter.