Cebu City Councilor Mikel Rama is urging the Department of Education (DepEd) to act judiciously in the investigation of alleged student mobilizations related to the Asian College of Technology International Educational Foundation (ACTIEF) accreditation.
This appeal follows the Ombudsman-Visayas' decision to forward a request from the city council for a fact-finding inquiry into claims that students were transported to Plaza Sugbo and Cebu City Hall during deliberations on the scholarship accreditation proposal.
In April, the city council narrowly voted against the accreditation of ACTIEF’s Pit-os campus under the city’s scholarship program.
Concerns Over Student Safety
We trust DepEd to handle this fairly. They deserve to feel safe and have peace of mind, whether that means keeping them away from violence or just making sure they aren’t caught in the middle of political crossfire.
Mikel Rama, Cebu City Councilor
Rama emphasized the importance of safeguarding students from becoming entangled in political disputes. He noted that recent incidents in schools highlight the necessity of prioritizing minors' safety and well-being.
The allegations arose during the council's April 14 session, where buses carrying senior high school students were reported to have arrived at the council's venue, raising questions about their involvement in the legislative process.
- Students claimed they were told to attend a 'scholarship orientation'
- Concerns raised about child protection and data privacy
Following these events, the council passed a resolution seeking a thorough investigation into whether any public officials facilitated the mobilization of students to influence council decisions.
Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Nimfa Bongo confirmed that the DepEd Cebu City Division received the Ombudsman order last week and is currently consulting with legal advisors to determine appropriate actions.
The resolution also invoked DepEd guidelines for off-campus activities, which mandate securing informed parental consent and ensuring child safety.
Any violation of these regulations could lead to serious consequences, including potential administrative or criminal liability for those involved.