By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Citing an existing law that prohibits any form of child abuse, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has expressed concern over a viral TikTok video of a teacher lashing out at her students but was defended by Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte.
The CHR pointed out that under Section 3 (b)(2) of the Republic Act No. 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, child abuse includes “any act by deeds or words that debases, degrades, or demeans the intrinsic worth and dignity of a child.”
“A school is a place of learning and must always be a safe place for children. Using demeaning and debasing words violates the inherent dignity of children and can have a lasting adverse effect on them,” the CHR said in a statement on Friday (22 March 2024).
It was learned that the video that went viral on social media showed a teacher who was apparently scolding her students while streaming live video.
But Duterte has apparently emphathized with the mentor and said no penalty would be enforced on her.
On Wednesday (20 March 2024), the VPES said she saw the teacher’s explanation and tasked the regional director to remind only the teacher to just slow down if she feels angry.
“Ang una ko naging reaction is tao lang iyong teacher. Lahat tayo umaabot sa punto na nagagalit tayo, lalo ‘pag nafu-frustrate tayo. This is especially true sa mga teachers dahil ang teachers natin hindi lang isa na tao ang kausap nila. Ang isang klase ay merong from 25 to 45, sometimes 55 students,” she told reporters in Cambodia.
As education secretary, critics said VP Duterte has not yet acted upon the problems of overcrowded classrooms.
The CHR stressed that the DepEd should apply the existing policies to protect the students.
“We highlight the importance of firmly applying the DepEd Child Protection Policy in building a genuinely safe learning space for students. It shall also serve as a strong message to those with propensity to exceed their authority that may not be seen on social media,” the CHR said.
It acknowledged, however, the decision of the DepEd to reprimand the teacher.
The commission also noted the sentiment of teachers that the cited policy is sometimes taken advantage against the educators.
There were instances when they were either falsely accused, scandalized, humiliated, extorted, intimidated, or even detained due to minor or “honest mistakes.”
The CHR encouraged the DepEd to “include a provision in the policy that can help ensure that it will not be misused against teachers.”
(el Amigo/MNM)
