Priest in hot water for ‘verbal abuse’

CEBU, Philippines - A priest is currently under fire after a 16-year-old student of the Talisay City College filed a complaint for alleged verbal abuse before the police station.

Father Judito Rosende who is a part-time teacher at the city college allegedly scolded and humiliated the first year college student in the class.

The incident happened in October last year prompting the student to stop going to school after being humiliated. According to the complainant, Rosende shouted at her and did not allow her to take the midterm exams.

It allegedly started when the priest, who is their Logic teacher, asked for the whereabouts of their class president and treasurer because he is giving his midterm exams.

Rosende was told by the class that their officers are still having a meeting but the priest allegedly told them that he will proceed with the exams with or without the two class officers.

The complainant allegedly told the teacher in jest, "salbahisa sad nimo sir uy!" prompting the other students in the class to tease him like what they often do in class.

However, Rosende allegedly got irked and shouted at the complainant. She was asked to get out of the class and was not allowed to take the test.

While outside the classroom, Rosende reportedly tried to throw an eyeglasses case at her and pointed his finger at her face.

 "Bogo ka, taga-bukid ka, pobre ka, maong ni-eskwela ka aning eskwelahana kay pobre ka," the priest reportedly shouted at the victim. The priest even cursed the minor.

Rosende admitted the accusation and asked for forgiveness from the minor. The priest told reporters that he failed to control his temper during the incident.

He however claimed to have asked the minor to take the exams the following day but the latter did not anymore return to school.

"You are my student kung nasayop man ko nimo I am willing to ask forgiveness from you," Rosende said.

Talisay City College president Richel Bacaltos said the he did not receive any formal complaint but promised to look into it.

Bacaltos said he already ordered his staff to locate the minor and invite her to come over for a meeting with Rosende.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said the priest, if found guilty after a thorough investigation, will have to be punished.

"The thing about it is to find a way to reach Fr. Rosende and we will see kung unsa gyu’y kamatooran. It's good to hear so many sides especially ang iyahang side. But as always, we try to proclaim that the truth makes us free and kun dunay mga limitations and shortcomings, let us also make the persons responsible to them, say ba kaha ron, suffer, kung unsa may angay'ng buhaton," Palma said.

Episcopal Vicar Esteban Binghay said Rosende tried to apply three years ago as a diocesan priest in the Archdiocese of Cebu but was not accepted.

"His application was denied because of personality problems. So he is technically not a diocesan priest. He was temporarily sent to a parish in south so that the parish priest will guide him kay bata man ni siya, murag kinahanglan gyud giyahan," Binghay explained.

Rosende used to belong to the religious order of Society of the Holy Family but left before applying as a diocesan priest. The priest could not be reached for comment as of press time. (FREEMAN)