Manila: Malaca±ang on Monday expressed support for efforts to limit cellphone use in schools to improve student performance but raised questions about the reasonableness of penalties imposed under a local government policy banning mobile phones in public schools. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the administration recognizes the intent behind the policy implemented by the Municipality of Dumanjug in Cebu, which imposed a total cellphone ban in public schools beginning June 29.
According to Philippines News Agency, Castro highlighted the positive objective of the policy during a Palace briefing, stating that it aims to help students concentrate more on their studies. However, she expressed concerns about the penalties under the policy, particularly the provision that confiscated mobile phones will only be returned at the end of the school year. "Based on what we have read, the confiscated phones will only be returned after the school year. I do not know whether that penalty is appropriate, justified, or reasonable," she said.
When asked whether the national government is considering a nationwide ban on cellphone use in schools, Castro mentioned that they will wait for the position of the Department of Education. She noted that many schools, particularly private institutions, already impose restrictions during class hours. "There are schools, especially private ones, that prohibit cellphone use during classes. The phones are returned after class so students can still use them, especially in emergency situations," she explained.
The Palace's remarks come amid renewed discussions on school safety and student behavior following a deadly shooting incident involving students in Tacloban City and other reported cases of school violence in various parts of the country. The Municipality of Dumanjug in southern Cebu recently announced a total cellphone ban in public schools, with Mayor Guntrano "Gungun" Gica saying the policy aims to improve academic performance and encourage students to focus on reading, studying, and face-to-face interaction.
