STC threatens parents with child abuse case

CEBU, Philippines - The Saint Theresa's College has threatened to file counter charges of child abuse against the parents of the students who were barred from joining their graduation rites last month after they were found guilty of violating the school's manual.

Lawyer Joan Largo, one of STC's legal counsels, said they will be forced to file charges against the parents if they insist on pursuing the charges against the school and its officials.

"Republic Act 7610 known as child-abuse was the basis of the parents in filing case against the school, which can also be used by the school against the parents for their negligence of taking care of their child," Largo said.

Largo said under RA 7610, it was the responsibility of the parents to look for the welfare of their children and to supervise them away from vices like smoking, drinking alcoholic drinks, among others.

"If there's anyone liable it is the parents for their failure to supervise their children. Supervise them in such a way they will not be led to a dissolute life," she said.

Four out of the five parents whose daughters were not allowed to march on their graduation day last March 30 because they were found guilty of violating the school's manual have filed a criminal complaint for violation of the R.A. 7610.

The parents alleged that their daughters suffered "deep emotional and psychological trauma, disgrace and pain" when the school administration refused to allow them to march with their batch despite an order from the court.

The parents, with their daughters wearing school uniform, went to STC on graduation day but were not allowed to enter the school premises even if they were with a court sheriff who tried to serve a Temporary Restraining Order issued by Judge Wilfredo Navarro.

The school's defiance of the court prompted the parents to file criminal complaints for unjust vexation and child abuse against the STC high school department, Sister Celeste Maria Purisima Pe, Mussolini Yap, Marnie Racaza, Kristine Rose Ligot and Edita Josephine Yu.

A civil case for damages is also pending before the court wherein the parents demanded P1.5 million in damages from the school.

Lawyer Cornelio Mercado, who represents three of the parents, described Largo's threat as ironic.

"They have done their worst and the parents and minors have suffered and endured so much pain. If threats add pleasure, up to them. Ironic. Persons who did not respect rule of law now feign a need to seek protection from the court whose order they have earlier boldly defied," Mercado said in a text message.

The STC barred five of its graduating high school students this year from joining the graduation rites after they were found to have uploaded pictures of them wearing bikinis, drinking tequila in public, engaging in sexually-suggestive dancing and engaging in torrid kissing. — (FREEMAN)