PNP chief warns ACT teachers of revocation of license

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Oscar Albayalde on Monday warned members of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) that their professional licenses could be revoked if it would be proven that they were supporting the rebellion against the government.

Albayalde issued the warning after ACT again sought the help of the Court of Appeals to stop the PNP from profiling its members.

READ: ACT prods CA anew to stop PNP from profiling its members

He said the PNP could recommend to the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) the revocation of ACT members’ licenses, which he said was similar to the disbarment of lawyers, if they would be found abusing their authority as teachers.

“If it’s proven, kung merong ebidensya linking (ACT members), whether directly or indirectly, (to) supporting the rebellion, [we can recommend that],” Albayalde told reporters in Camp Crame.

(If it’s proven, if there is evidence linking ACT members, whether directly or indirectly, [to] supporting the rebellion [we can recommend that].)

“Parang abogado ‘yan. If you abuse your profession you can be disbarred. Pareho din ito. Baka akala nila. Marami na ring nawalan ng lisensya,” he also said.

(It’s similar to lawyers. If you abuse your profession you can be disbarred. It’s the same. Many have already lost their license.)

Albayalde further explained that the license of teachers is not a right but a privilege given by the state.

“Remember your license is not a right. It’s a privilege given to you by the state. It can always be revoked by the state if you abuse your profession,” he said.

Albayalde, who has rejected the term “profiling,” also said that the PNP has stopped its intelligence operations on members of ACT.

Earlier, Albayalde said Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria Sison identified ACT as one of its legal fronts. ACT has denied Sison’s claim. /cbb