IN THE KNOW: Administrative sanctions on erring students

MANILA, Philippines — In the wake of the viral bullying incident in Ateneo Junior High School (AJHS), it may be time to revisit some administrative sanctions for student discipline in schools.

The Ateneo De Manila University recently dismissed the bully student, who was caught punching and kicking other students on campus.

READ: Ateneo kicks out bully student after ‘thorough investigation

According to Department of Education (DepEd) Order No. 88, series of 2010, private schools have the authority to implement rules and regulations that may “deem necessary for the maintenance of good discipline.”

Under the DepEd order, the categories of administrative penalties are suspension, exclusion and expulsion.

DepEd said suspension allows the school to deny an erring student attendance in classes for a period not exceeding 20 percent of the prescribed class days for the school year.

Meanwhile, for preventive suspension may be imposed on a student under investigation in a case carrying the penalty of expulsion. This means the student will not be allowed to enter the school premises if the evidence of guilt is strong.

DepEd described exclusion as dropping the name of the student from the school rolls for being “undesirable” and immediately preparing the student’s transfer credentials.

Under exclusion, an investigation should be conducted and no prior approval by the DepEd is required in the implementation of the penalty.

DepEd said the decision in a case involving exclusion should be filed in the school within a year to allow the DepEd to conduct a review should the involved parties file an appeal.

Expulsion is an extreme penalty that requires approval of the Education secretary because it bars a student from admission to any other public and private school in the Philippines.

Expulsion may be imposed for offenses such as gross misconduct, dishonesty, hazing, carrying deadly weapons, immorality, selling and or possession of prohibited drugs.

The decision of the school in every case involving expulsion must be forwarded to the DepEd regional office concerned within 10 days from the end of the investigation of each case.

DepEd also explained that the Certificate of Eligibility to Transfer may be not be issued to a student undergoing a penalty of suspension or expulsion.

The certificate should, however, be released to the student if he finishes serving the suspension or if his expulsion has been lifted.

/atm