Moreno to private schools: Cooperate on class suspensions

Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso answers questions from the media during the weekly Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum on June 26. INQUIRER.NET PHOTO/CATHY MIRANDA

MANILA, Philippines — Saying students are “not frogmen,” Manila Mayor-elect Isko Moreno on Wednesday reminded private schools in the city that there was no such thing as “autonomous” when it came to declaring class suspensions during heavy rains.

“If Manila declares a class suspension, please cooperate because students are not frogmen,” Moreno said in a statement.

He reminded private schools that the safety of students was more important than their so-called autonomy.

“There’s no problem if they’re autonomous, but do you want to be autonomous at the expense of the safety of students, Manilans, and those people who visit Manila?” he said.

“I’m asking presidents of private universities to please cooperate once the local government declares class suspensions,” Moreno added. “[There’s] no such thing as ‘autonomous’ under Section 16 of the Local Government Code.” —Aie Balagtas See