6 Pisay students banned from graduation rites

MANILA, Philippines — Six students of the Philippine Science High School (PSHS) were not allowed to attend their graduation rites yesterday over the harassment and cybercrime complaints filed against them for posting lewd photos of their female schoolmates online.

Science Secretary Fortunato dela Peña, who chairs the PSHS Board of Trustees (BOT), said they amended the original decision that allowed the students to graduate.

PSHS executive director Lilia Habacon said the BOT decided not to allow the six students to join the graduation march following deliberations on Tuesday.

Habacon said three of the students would still receive their diplomas. The three others will get only certificates of completion of the six-year high school program.

“They have to comply with additional requirements that are part of the sanctions given to them. We assure the public that the PSHS Board has exerted best efforts in arriving at this decision,” she said.

The board earlier drew criticism after deciding to allow the students to graduate, contrary to the recommendation of the school’s management committee.

An investigation conducted by the school’s disciplinary office found that the students committed offenses when they shared nude photos of their former girlfriends online.

Vice President Leni Robredo said the public should call out and ensure punishment for those who abuse women.

“We should not be surprised that even in a community of our nation’s brightest young minds, the poor treatment of women, at the hands of those they trusted as friends, persists,” she said. 

– Helen Flores, Rainier Allan Ronda