Twins accused of child abuse were pupils’ favorite teachers

CEBU, Philippines - The two teachers accused of child abuse for allegedly calling their pupils "stupid" were actually the favorite of other pupils.

Copies of anecdotal records assessment obtained by reporters showed that Maria Cesaria and Maria Victoria Melgar obtained positive remarks from their pupils and were listed as "favorite teacher."

"Because they give my classmates lunch if my classmates don't have lunch," a pupil's remarks read.

The twin sisters of Camp Lapu-Lapu Elmentary School in Barangay Apas, Cebu City were emotional when they faced the members of the media yesterday to deny the complaint against them. The teachers cried foul over the news report portraying them as "monsters."

Maria Cesaria said the case filed against them was just a form of retaliation. She said they had sued the child's parents for grave slander and light threats, which are still pending before the court.

"The truth is that the case that was published (by the media) was a leverage case on the several cases we filed against the so-called parents of the child (name withheld)," she told reporters.

The two teachers were also sued for the same offense in 2013.

But Maria Cesaria said the charges against them also came after they lodged a string of complaints against a former school principal and other school officials for alleged wrongdoings, such as irregularity in the ranking of teachers, collecting monetary contributions, tolerance to the tardiness of teachers who even got promoted, and parents being allowed to handle classes as substitute for absent teachers.

She said the conflict has affected their career because they were not allowed to take a study leave for their dissertation, which could have paved the way for the realization of their deceased father's dream for them to finish the doctorate program.

Maria Victoria, on the other hand, said they could not dare maltreating their pupils.

The two teachers reacted to the article published by The FREEMAN on July 12.

The article reported about their indictment for violation of Section 10 (a) of Republic Act 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination). (FREEMAN)