53 Metro public schools violate Roco ban

The Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS) has identified 53 public elementary and high schools in Metro Manila which violated its "no-fee policy" during the last school enrollment.

In a directive, DECS-National Capital Region director Corazon Santiago said that the officials of these schools must explain why they disregarded the policy.

"This office was not remiss in reminding you that no fees should be collected and if you have, the total amount should be refunded," she chided.

DECS may impose the penalty of suspension to those who fail to give a satisfactory explanation or refund the collected amounts.

Reports reaching DECS showed that these schools collected fees and contributions ranging from P80 to P950. They are found in Taguig, Caloocan City, Makati City, Pasig City, Mandaluyong City, Muntinlupa City, Malabon, Quezon City, Pateros City, Las Piñas City, and Parañaque.

DECS Secretary Raul Roco had issued DECS Order 22, prohibiting all public schools from collecting any fee or contribution during the last enrollment.

This was intended to reach out to more poor students who are not enrolled in school because of such fees.

"Public schools are supposed to be free. P100 or P200 may be nothing for many people but for some it is too much. What we want is for the children to study," Roco added.

During enrollment, schools used to collect fees and contributions for institutions like the Boy Scout of the Philippines, Girls Scout of the Philippines, Philippine National Red Cross, Parents-Teachers-Community Associations and anti-tuberculosis program.

Under Roco’s order, specific dates will be set for these institutions to collect contributions. They are also required to submit their financial statements to DECS.

Two DECS regional directors were suspended by Roco earlier for deliberately violating the order.

"When it comes to contributions, no amount must be demanded. We know the shortages in public schools but this must not be the case for our children not to be enrolled in school," Roco maintained. – Sheila Crisostomo