Teacher to face raps after student’s death

CEBU, Philippines — A criminal complaint may be filed against a public school teacher in Poro, Camotes island after her student committed suicide following a humiliation in front of the class two weeks ago.

Police Master Sergeant Adorberto Carba, of Poro Police Station, said the teacher of the 15-year-old student of Luciano B. Rama Sr. Memorial National High School is liable for violation of the Presidential Decree 603 or the Child and Youth Welfare Code.

Carba, however, said the liability may be limited only to the teacher’s allowing the minor student to drive a motorcycle despite knowing he did not have a driver’s license.

According to the police officer, Article 53 of the code provides that the owner of the vehicle who allows a minor to drive is criminally liable. The police, however, could not file a case against the teacher for the death of the minor.

The teacher, whose name withheld by The Freeman, asked the Grade 9 student to have her galloon of mineral water refilled. The teacher allegedly asked the student to use her motorcycle, but unintentionally damaged the motorcycle after losing his balance while on his way back from the water refilling station. The teacher was allegedly mad and scolded him in front of the class. He was also asked to pay P3,700 for the damage.

Carba said the grandmother noticed that the minor was sad when he got home that day. He was allegedly heard saying, “ulawa ani ugma uy.” The minor was later found hanging from a tree with a rope tide around his neck. (FREEMAN)