Palma: Some corporal punishment tolerable

CEBU, Philippines - It’s within the power of the government to pass laws so Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma won’t comment on the ordinance penalizing parents and teachers who inflict corporal punishment on children.

However, if it would be up to him, Palma said there are forms of corporal punishment that are acceptable as long as these are done “out of love” and will help mold the children. 

He said it’s also the parents’ responsibility to raise their children in grace, including giving punishment “out of love.”

 “Sa una gani, I also experienced being punished, gipaluhod, gi-spank… We may be punished, but if it is in expression of love, we will never mind,” Palma said.

Just last Wednesday, the Cebu City Council approved an ordinance that will penalize elders who shall inflict corporal punishment and verbally assault children. Councilor Leah Ouano-Japson, chairperson of the committee on family and women affairs, authored the ordinance.

Councilor Jose Daluz III objected to the ordinance’s passage, insisting that the parents have the right to impose corporal punishment on their children, so they should not be sanctioned.

While it is acceptable that parents, indeed, have the right to discipline their children, Japson contended that inflicting corporal punishment on them everytime they commit a mistake is not good.  (FREEMAN)