Manila: Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro on Wednesday said her previous remarks on the role of teachers in guiding students were misinterpreted, stressing that she was not blaming educators for the recent school violence. Castro issued the clarification after the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) described her remarks following the shooting at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University Junior High School as 'reckless and insulting.'
According to Philippines News Agency, Castro aimed to emphasize that young people must be guided not only by their parents but also by schools and teachers, whom she described as playing the role of second parents. She noted that there was a misunderstanding of her comments, which were intended as a reminder of the pivotal role teachers play in shaping good values among the youth, rather than attributing blame for the unfortunate incident.
Castro highlighted specific cases to explain her stance. She referenced an incident in Davao City where students allegedly heckled President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and used inappropriate language during his visit. Additionally, she mentioned a case involving a teacher who reportedly posted a video instructing students to use insulting words directed at the Chief Executive. This latter case is now under administrative investigation, with the teacher admitting to creating the video. Castro stated that these incidents prompted the Department of Education (DepEd) to remind teachers of their professional responsibilities.
Emphasizing her respect for educators, Castro rejected any notion that she had disrespected teachers, sharing her personal connection to the profession through her mother, who was a public school teacher until her passing. "Hindi ko po kailanman hindi bibigyang galang ang mga guro dahil ang aking ina, hindi pa po ako pinapanganak, ay isang public school teacher," Castro said, affirming her deep respect for the teaching profession.
While acknowledging the sensitivity of the topic, Castro maintained that her remarks were not meant to hold teachers accountable for the violence. She expressed understanding of the teachers' reactions, reiterating that her comments were a reminder rather than an assignment of blame.
In response to the ACT's critique that Castro's remarks linked teachers to the country's culture of violence, PCO Secretary Dave Gomez called for caution in reporting tragedies involving minors. He emphasized the need for state media and private organizations to exercise care and responsibility in their coverage, ensuring that dignity, safety, and privacy are upheld, and that the reporting does not encourage copycat incidents.
