The Department of Education (DepEd) has finally released its statement after the controversy surrounding a teacher who was publicly prosecuted for alleged child abuse. The education department has assured the public that it shall ‘take care and protect’ both the learner and teacher through due process.
DepEd Undersecretary and Spokesperson Annalyn Sevilla addressed the said issue in a Facebook post stating clarifications and ‘points to ponder’. DepEd also put to light matters that involve disciplinary function of a teacher over a student, citing that “there are laws and policies applicable to learners/children and teachers”, and their efforts to ensure they are complied with.
Sevilla reiterated that under the Child Protection Policy of DepEd and Magna Carta for Teachers, both learners and teachers have the same rights and protection. “DepEd shall take care and protect both sides through due process,” she added.
“Matters like this are governed by law, policies, and procedures which are accordingly complied with. These laws and policies oblige DepEd not to divulge details of the investigation,” the department said.
Thus, the department also discourage netizens from spreading pictures of the learner and teacher and/or videos of the incident to protect them and their family members. DepEd assured that the case was already being handed by DepEd Regional and Division Offices through proper procedures.
“Schools are second home to learners, while teachers are the second parents. We entrust our children to the institution and teachers,” the DepEd added.
The said issue arose after a grandmother of a student took to a public service show hosted by Raffy Tulfo her complaint against a school teacher for allegedly abusing her grandchild. The family claimed that the boy was humiliated and then traumatized thereafter. Tulfo then called for the revocation of the teacher’s license on national tv gaining mixed reactions from netizens.
Source: DepEd on Tulfo issue with teacher: There is a proper forum for such matters – Manila Bulletin
