DepEd won't sanction 5 teachers, principal

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Education won't take any action against the five teachers and the principal of Carmen Elementary School in Toledo City who were accused of selling food to their pupils inside the classroom pending resolution of a complaint filed before the Office of the Ombudsman in the Visayas.

Toledo City Schools Division superintendent Dr. Ronald Gutay said DepEd could not relieve the teachers and the principal because nobody can take over their classes.

Gutay said his office will wait for the order from the anti-graft office where couple Diomedes and Jocelyn Villar filed the complaint against teachers Nancy Allarse, Webina Jaranilla, Neone Parame, Philine Carreon, and Filomina Tolentin, and principal Hermigilda Basalo Malapitan.

According to Gutay, he tried to settle the matter at his level but the complainants were determined to pursue the complaint.

Gutay admitted that selling of food inside the classroom is prohibited under DepEd Order No. 8 issued in 2007. Gutay said the teachers admitted selling food to their pupils and asked for an apology from the complainants.

"Gulay naman ang itinitinda nila kasi nga ang mga bata walang ulam kaya pinautang ng teacher at sabi nga ng teacher wala namang sapilitang naganap…basically hindi nga pinatawad ng couple 'yung teachers," Gutay told The FREEMAN.

The Revised Implementing Guidelines on the Operation and Management of School Canteen in Public and Secondary School only allows the canteen to sell food.

Based on the same guidelines, the canteen may be managed by the school or by cooperative. However, teachers are not allowed to manage the canteen.

"Hindi kasi nailalagay sa order ng DepEd na ang classroom ay gawing canteen so hindi talaga pwede ang ganyan kasi ang teachers may sweldo tapos lugi naman ang DepEd kung magtitinda na lang sila," Gutay said.

Gutay is set to have a meeting today with all the school principals in province to remind them of the guidelines.

The Villars asked the Ombudsman to look into the alleged irregular practice of teachers in Carmen, Toledo City after their children were asked to pay for their debts.

The complainants alleged that the pupils were prevented by the teachers from going out of the classroom until the foods are sold.  (FREEMAN)