© The STAR/File DepEd: Policy in place to address ‘teacher-shaming’

MANILA, Philippines — There are procedures in place to address complaints against teachers, the Department of Education (DepEd) announced yesterday amid the controversy involving a public school teacher who was shamed on television after taking disciplinary action against one of her students.

The DepEd said it is looking into Melita Limjuco’s case that went viral on social media last week after television host Raffy Tulfo berated her for allegedly punishing a Grade 2 student by sending the latter out of the classroom.

“It appears that what transpired in the television program was a move for on-the-spot compromise: the resignation of the teacher and revocation of her license in exchange for the non-filing of a complaint against her. Under the DepEd Child Protection Policy, incidents of child abuse are not subject to compromise,” the agency said.

“On the other hand, teachers are entitled to due process, which was not given to her during the program, especially since resignation from her job earlier than her intended retirement will have serious impact on her and her family,” it added.

Netizens criticized Tulfo for persuading Limjuco to give up her license as a teacher in exchange for the dropping of a child abuse complaint against her.

Tulfo has apologized to teachers and netizens for “mishandling the issue.”

He said he would arrange a meeting between Limjuco and the student’s parents to resolve the problem.

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The DepEd said it would provide a proper forum that would allow both parties to solve the conflict.

“Schools are second home to learners and teachers are second parents of the students. We entrust our children to the institution and teachers. In addition to the right of children to education, their rights against bullying and child abuse are also protected,” said the agency.

“Teachers exercise substitute parental authority while children are in school. They are expected to exercise reasonable supervision over the conduct of the children, including disciplining them as part of their upbringing while maintaining their dignity and safety,” it added.

The DepEd urged stakeholders to work together to promote trust, respect and dignity of students, teachers and school administrators.

“We enjoin schools to strengthen their Parents-Teachers Associations as a platform to build mutual understanding and trust in the joint parenting of the students,” it said.

Teachers’ groups earlier called on the DepEd to look into the matter, saying the incident highlights the harassment faced by teachers from those who abuse the child protection policy.

“In many circumstances, teachers accused of violation of children’s rights have been subjected to harassment, intimidation, extortion, physical threats and media sensationalization,” Teachers’ Dignity Coalition chairman Benjo Basas said.

“Teachers are often left in a disadvantaged position whenever a case is filed against them. In some cases, teachers are forced to enter into unfair settlement or worse, resign or face the court battle,” he said.

Members of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers are set to hold a rally in Manila today to protest the “trial by publicity” suffered by Limjuco.