MANILA, Philippines — The fact-finding report on the sexual harassment complaints against seven teachers at a public school in Cavite is expected for submission to the regional office of the Department of Education (DepEd) on Friday.
DepEd spokesperson Michael Poa disclosed this information in a press briefing, adding that their agency will use the report as the basis for its next steps against Bacoor National High School teachers.
“[On the] investigation of not only six but seven teachers na pala ‘yung na-identify doon (that were already identified) through posts. Patuloy ang investigation at ang (The investigation continues and the) latest update is by tomorrow, masa-submit na ‘yung fact-finding report sa ating (the fact-finding report will be submitted to our) regional office,” he said in a briefing.
“So from then on, we will determine ngayon kung ano na ‘yung (what is the) next step sa (on the) administrative proceedings against the teachers,” Paa added.
Poa said the most severe punishment that the teachers may face if they are found guilty would be dismissal from service.
But the DepEd official admitted that investigators are experiencing a hitch in their case-building as only a few victims are coming forward.
He called on other students who the teachers victimized to come forward and submit their affidavits.
DepEd spokesperson Michael Poa —NIÑO JESUS ORBETA
“Although nagtutuloy ‘yung investigation, ang problema, walang masyadong complainants ang nagpa-file ng kanilang affidavits,” he said.
(Although the investigation is ongoing, the problem is that not many complainants are coming forward and filing affidavits.)
“So sana tulungan ninyo rin kami hikayatin na tulungan ‘yung mga alleged victims na lumabas at mag-file ng kanilang affidavit para mapalakas ‘yung kaso kung mayroon man,” Poa added.
(So I hope you can also help us encourage the alleged victims to come forward and file their affidavits for the case-building against the teachers.)
Poa also said that Vice President Sara Duterte, also serving as Education Secretary concurrently, has already given “major directives” to the DepEd’s Child Protection Unit to strengthen its presence and programs.
The sexual harassment case against Bacoor National High School teachers came to light after a viral Twitter thread showed alleged conversations between the teachers and students. The supposed conversation indicates that the young students were asked about their sexual experiences with gays and if they were willing to experiment with their teacher.