NO TO ANGARA'S SB 2793!

Indeed, teachers are already burdened with so much regulations. We cannot afford to have another which exposes us to harm and unnecessary penalties.

WE APPEAL TO SEN. ANGARA TO WITHDRAW HIS BILL AND CONSULT US, TEACHERS. PLEASE SHARE!

TDC reaction on Sen Angara's bill to include teachers in the Anti-Bullying Law:

"The teachers are already burdened by many regulations that are used or misused against us. We have the RA 7610, DepEd Child Protection Policy and other laws which we recognize and respect. But the same laws are use to harass, threaten & intimidate the helpless teachers or extort money from them. To penalize teachers or call them bullies would be too much, Mr Senator. Teachers who are often misunderstood and sensationalized for imposing 'discipline' are actually the ones that need your protection."

Benjo Basas, TDC National Chairperson

Another Post!

TEACHERS DENOUNCE ANGARA BILL ON BULLYING

June 9, 2015

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) denounces the bill that seeks to penalize teachers and other school personnel who bully students, amending Republic Act 10627 or the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013.

"The teachers are already burdened by many regulations that are used or misused against us.” Laments Benjo Basas, a teacher in Caloocan City and the groups’ national chairperson. “We have the RA 7610, the DepEd Child Protection Policy and other laws which we recognize and respect. Unfortunately, these laws are use to harass, threaten and intimidate the helpless teachers or extort money from them.” Basas continued.

TDC said that while they are one with the senator in ensuring the welfare of schoolchildren, they are dismayed that Angara, whom they considered as one of the strong allies in Senate has filed the bill that they believe would further expose them to unfair treatment.

“To penalize teachers or call them bullies would be too much, Mr. Senator. Teachers who are often misunderstood and sensationalized for imposing 'discipline' are actually the ones that need your protection." Basas exclaimed.

Senate Bill No. 2793 aims to give more teeth to the existing laws and DepEd orders by penalizing a teacher or any other school personnel who commits acts of bullying towards a student with a fine of not less than P50,000 but not more than P100,000 and/or by imprisonment from six months to a year.

If the bullying resulted in the student attempting to commit suicide, the penalty will be a fine of not less than P100,000 but not more than P500,000 and/or by imprisonment from one to three years. If the suicide attempt results in the death of the victim, the penalty will be a fine of not less than P500,000 but not more than P1 million and/or by imprisonment from three to six years.

“We denounce the old ways of disciplining children, particularly physical, verbal and psychological punishment especially in teaching-learning situation. We regard these methods of imposing discipline as outdated and ineffective, considering the advances in child psychology and universal principle of child’s rights advocacy.” Said Basas.

However, the group reminds the legislature “to be cautious and take into consideration all the factors in school situation considering the many concerns besetting the system.”

TDC challenged lawmakers to ensure that no teacher will be put in a disadvantaged situation should any bill for children’s welfare enacted. “We must, at all times be sure that the rights and welfare of teachers be protected in the same weight as we protect the children.” Basas continued.

Lastly, the group calls on Sen. Angara to withdraw his proposal and start discussing the issues with the teacher sector, one of his major political bases last elections.

“We still believe that he is for education sector. We hope that he would immediately withdraw this bill and put the welfare of teachers- the heart of education in paramount consideration.” Basas ended.

Reactions in social media clearly show that teachers are disappointed with a senator they once considered as pro-teacher.