Philippine Science High School. FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Wednesday said that there was a need for a “more defined child protection policy” amid a controversy hounding the Philippine Science High School (PSHS).
Six senior students of the premiere science high school have been barred from attending graduation rites scheduled on Wednesday after they shared lewd photos of their female classmates online, Radyo Inquirer reported.
READ: 6 na estudyante ng Phil. Science HS, ban sa graduation rites dahil sa photo scandal
“This decision aligns with the earlier recommendation of PSHS school committees to not allow the 6 students to graduate, but also effectively counters the Board’s prior decision on the case,” CHR spokesperson Attorney Jacqueline De Guia said in a statement.
The school’s Board of Trustees earlier decided to allow the students involved to attend the graduation rites.
READ: Controversy hounds Pisay graduation
“What is clear, however, is that there is a need for a more defined child protection policy to be in place, which also covers better case management for similar instances,” De Guia added.
De Guia cited Article 3 of the United Nations’ Convention of the Rights of the Child where “in all actions concerning children, whether undertaken by public or private social welfare institutions, courts of law, administrative authorities or legislative bodies, the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration.”
“For this case, this means that, school officials must be reminded that in carrying out sanctions, the children’s present and future life — their general welfare, safety, and development — must always be put in mind,” the statement read.
The CHR added that it was committed “to continue engaging PSHS and other academic institutions in ensuring that schools remain to be safe spaces for children to learn and develop.”
“For in the end, excellence must not only translate to academic laurels, but to a sense of respect for human rights and dignity,” CHR added. (Editor: Cenon B. Bibe Jr.)