For ignoring memo Tomas wants Oliva's relief

An angry Mayor Tomas Osmeña yesterday announced that he will be pushing for the immediate relief of Cebu City School Division Superintendent Leonilo Oliva for the latter's continuing defiance of his policy to stop holding religious seminars in public schools so as not to disrupt classes.

Osmeña was irate after 19 students accused a priest of sexually harassing them during a seminar being handled by the Oasis of Love community at the Abellana National School.

"I want the immediate removal of Dr. Oliva because he doesn't like to follow my instructions," said Osmeña said, last year he issued a memorandum to stop religious seminars in public schools during class hours because these cut into their school time.

"I highly respect his decisions. I respect his opinion ug wala ta'y mahimo kung mao na ang iyang gusto," said Oliva, adding that seminars cannot be held on weekends since the speakers and facilitators are available only on weekdays.

It was the Department of Education who tapped the Oasis of Love to handle the Life in the Spirit seminar for students. They have been doing this for more than 10 years now.

Oliva also apologized for what had happened but said it was beyond DepEd's control and that the matter is already been investigated by Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal.

Osmeña told Oliva that if he wants to be a martyr then he should go to the seminary.

"Frankly speaking, if there's anything I don't like in this government its religious fanaticism," the mayor said.

He is now finalizing a letter to be addressed to Secretary of Department of Education Jesli Lapuz for the immediate removal and replacement of Oliva. - Garry B. Lao