Scandal did not affect STC's enrollment

CEBU, Philippines - Despite the controversy hounding Saint Theresa’s College after it barred five of its students from joining the graduation rites last March, the school continues to meet their enrollment quota for the next school year.

Lawyer Joan Largo said the school was not affected by the negative publicity arising from the controversy after the parents of the five students filed a civil case for damages and even criminal complaints against the school and its officials.

Largo considers this development as vindication on the part of the school officials because the parents continue to trust them.

The parents of the five students barred from joining the graduation rites on March 30 after they were found guilty of violating the school manual have filed a petition for injunction with prayer for damages.

They also filed criminal complaints for violation of the Republic Act 7610 before the Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office. One of the complainants however has already agreed to enter into a compromise agreement with the school.

This as the new judge handling the case, RTC Judge Manuel Patalinghug of Branch 22, inhibited himself from further hearing the case citing lack of jurisdiction.

Patalinghug said the case should be handled by a regular court and not a family court like his. RTC Judge Wilfredo Navarro also inhibited from the case earlier also citing lack of jurisdiction.

Navarro said the case involves minors which the family court has jurisdiction of. Largo said they will be filing a motion seeking for partial reconsideration of Patalinghug’s order as well as clarification on the issue of jurisdiction.

Largo said she preferred the case to remain in the family court because it should be treated with confidentiality considering that there are minors involved.

“For me it is hard to have those photographs being in a court not considered a family court with no requirements of confidentiality of records,” she said.

She added what they did was for the best interest of the child.

“Photos and such photos we do not want it to be circulated its not about bikini it is so much more,” Largo added.

Largo hoped that the court will take a second look and reconsider assuming jurisdiction over the case.

Largo also hopes that the rest of the complainants will already agree to settle the case with them.— (FREEMAN)