Parents complain against “abusive” teacher

CEBU, Philippines - A teacher from the Curva Elementary School in Medellin town was accused before the Department of Education-Cebu Province Division of inflicting physical harm against some of his pupils, among other wrongdoings.

Seven parents went to DepEd-Cebu Province school superintendent Arden Monisit yesterday with the signatures of 200 parents of the said school demanded for the removal of the said teacher.

The FREEMAN is withholding the name of the teacher as the education department is set to conduct an investigation today.

Elenita Anaclito said that his son was slapped with a stick by the teacher twice after the pupil was accused of damaging paint on a wall of the school.

The teacher was also accused of unauthorized collections as such demanding contribution among his pupils for the payment of a ceiling fan and the expenses for Nutrition Month activities.

Monisit said that DepEd has a separate budget for Nutrition Month and teachers should not collect nor require students to pay, especially if these are not authorized and voluntary contributions.

“Nangolekta siya og tag-P45 for each student para palit og ceiling fan sa classroom. Unya mas barato ang ceiling fan nga iyang gipalit,” said Malou Cabahug. There are 61 students in his class.

The teacher was further accused of being a frequent bettor on illegal cockfights and often shortchanged bus drivers and trisikad drivers.

“Unya manghuwam pa gyud ug kwarta sa iyang mga estudyante,” said Cabahug.

Cabahug added that the Parents-Teachers Association failed to buy a sound system which was supposed to be used for the children’s graduation ceremony, after the said teacher borrowed the money amounting to P1,300.

“A teacher must be a bearer of highest ethical standards. If he can’t live up to that, then dili siya angayan nga mahimong maestro,” said Monisit.

Monisit added that he will leave this matter to the investigating body and if the teacher is found to be guilty of the complaints lodged against him, then a corresponding penalty shall be imposed. —/BRP (FREEMAN)