UE students dismissed for defiling PH flag in viral video

SCREENGRAB FROM FILIPINO NETIZEN’S FACEBOOK PAGE

The University of the East (UE) has dismissed the students who were behind the viral video showing the Philippine flag being used like a mop.

“The Members of the Board of Trustees of the University of the East during its monthly meeting last February 18, 2016, unanimously resolved to approve the dismissal of the high school students who were involved [in] the Philippine flag-defiling video that was shot, uploaded online and went viral on February 9, 2016,” UE President and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Ester Albano Garcia said.

READ: UE students na ginawang ‘mop’ ang watawat, dismissed na

Garcia, however, did not identify how many students were dismissed, but in the video at least two students were involved in the incident—the one who used the flag as a mop and the other who was laughing while taking a video of the said act.

“The students involved were meted the sanction of dismissal in view of the gravity of their infraction, which was not only a direct affront to the University of the East community but to the entire country’s ideals and traditions as well,” Garcia said in a statement posted on the school’s Facebook page Monday night.

READ: UE starts ‘serious’ probe vs student who defiled PH flag in video

In a statement issued last February 11, the UE administration “condemned in the strongest possible terms” the said act which drew flak from netizens.

While they may have received flak because of the said video, Garcia said that UE appreciates the opportunity to be heard and the public’s feedback on the incident.

Garcia also underscored the opportunity given to them “to reaffirm our commitment to molding the youth of the land into citizens imbued not just with intelligence but also wisdom, not just self-esteem but also patriotism, not just skills for personal gain but also selflessness in contributing to nation building.”

Garcia assured the public that following this “regrettable” incident, UE “shall endeavor to strengthen activities inculcating respect to the Philippine flag, the anthem and other national symbols.”

Furthermore, the UE official vowed that the school will “implement measures to monitor the strict compliance and observance of the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines by their students and members of their academic and non-academic personnel.

Under Republic Act 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, it is prohibited to mutilate, deface, defile or trample on the flag or commit “any act or omission casting dishonor or ridicule upon it.”

Any violation of the said law is punishable with a fine ranging from P5,000 to P20,000 and a prison term not exceeding one year. RAM