Thursday, May 31, 2007 DepEd summons 7 Bogo teachers
FOLLOWING a barrage of stories and complaints over the radio on some teachers’ participation in election controversies, Cebu Schools Division Superintendent Recaredo Borgonia summoned several teachers to his office.
They included teachers from Bogo, from where 15 election returns have been sent to Manila on suspicion that these forms were fake.
At least seven members of the Board of Election Inspectors reported to Dr. Borgonia’s office last week, followed by more teachers yesterday.
“The Department of Education (DepEd) wishes to make them understand that DepEd is willing to help them, especially in the provision of legal assistance,” said Borgonia in a phone interview.
During these meetings, they was agreed that once the Commission on Elections (Comelec) calls them for an election-related purpose or investigation, they will immediately inform DepEd.
Borgonia said that some P13 million worth of legal assistance is available for all the teachers in the country. The amount to be given will depend on the individual teacher’s needs.
DepEd Regional Director Carolino Mordeno earlier said that if a teacher is harmed or killed because of an election-related issue, DepEd will give the victim’s family P200,000.
Apart from the fatigue and tension, one of the reasons some public school teachers are reluctant to serve during elections is the risk of getting sued by parties or candidates displeased with the results. (NRC)
