School principal, teacher cleared

The Office of the Ombudsman in the Visayas dismissed  charges against two teachers who were accused of maltreating a student who was confronted about a broken mirror and vandalism in school.

The anti-graft office found no substantial evidence against principal Pedro Bagaan and teacher Ma. Lutchelle Salve, both of the Inayawan Night High School in Cebu City.

Charges of grave misconduct and negligence or violation of Republic Act 6713 or The Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees were filed against the two teachers.

“It would appear that respondent teachers acted on just what were called upon them by the circumstances,” said the graft investigation and prosecution officer.

A woman had filed a complaint after her 17-year-old nephew was almost subjected to a drug test by the school.

Salve was accused of punching the boy and threatening to send him to jail.

In their counter-affidavits, Salve and the principal  denied the allegations and  presented the sworn statement of school guidance counselor Annamarizel Panerio.

Panerio said another teacher had noticed a  broken hanging mirror in her classroom last Dec. 18, 2008.

The  17-year-old student was pointed to by  other students as the one  who destroyed the mirror.

The student was called to the principal’s office and was asked to have the mirror repaired.

The boy was also asked about  vandalism in the school.

He became angry  and unruly, kicking the chart board and uttering foul words against the teachers.

Panerio said the boy threatened to kill them. In response, Salve told the student he would go to jail if he did.

A barangay tanod was called in to help. He and Salve, brought the student to the hospital for a  drug test but none was conducted.

The anti-graft office said they understand  the complainant’s concern for her nephew and gave some family advice.

“It seems that the boy needs more love, care and guidance that he could get  not only from the school but from the entire environment he is in. After all, a child gets his first education from his very own home,” the graft investigator said.