Importance of Understanding and Upholding Legal Mandates in Preventing Online Shaming to the Teachers
Twenty-first-century methods of
learning and teaching have been rapidly changing because of technological
advancement. We already rely so much on the internet that it has already impacted
our way of living. Google classroom, for example, became the virtual classroom
for most of the students in the implementation of blended learning in different
parts of the world. It vividly helped students and teachers to adapt to the
effects brought by the pandemic. However, the internet has also been a tool for
online shaming. Especially in social media, where everyone can express their
opinion, people, in some instances, tend to call out authorities but in some
other cases to make clout to discriminate plainly.
“Online Shaming” to the Teachers
Online shaming is linked to major
social media issues on trolling and cyberbullying. Some defined online shaming
as a tool for people to feel good about themselves knowing that they set
sympathy from many people than their victim/s
The teacher clearly violated her mandate as a public school teacher. But was it morally and lawfully right to broadcast the case and publicly condemn the teacher's actions? No. Broadcasting the case in the whole nation by its nature is public shaming, making the accused look guilty without adequate legal assistance and due process. The following are the legal bases for the protection of the teacher when subjected to criminal, civil, or criminal charges depending on the offense:
Embedded under Article III, Section 11 to 22 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution are the rights of the accused. Some of the rights are the right to adequate legal assistance, the right to due process of law, the right to remain silent, and the right against self-incrimination.
In addition, Section 10 (Rights of all School Personnel) number 2 of B.P. Blg. 232 states, “the right to be provided with free legal service by the appropriate government office in the case of public school personnel and through the school authorities concerned in the case of private school personnel, when charged in an administrative, civil and/or criminal proceedings by parties other than the school or regulatory authorities concerned for actions committed directly in the lawful discharge of professional duties and/or in defense of school policies.”
Furthermore, Section 8 Safeguards in Disciplinary Procedure of the REPUBLIC ACT No. 4670 states, “every teacher shall enjoy equitable safeguards at each stage of any disciplinary procedure. No publicity shall be given to any disciplinary action being taken against a teacher during the pendency of his case.”
These are just some of the laws
that could be used against public shaming to teachers. And it is vital for the
teachers to know these particular passages in order to defend themselves from
any form of discrimination against them. The teacher on the show may not have remembered
these laws as she accepted the humiliation during the interview through call.
Yes, we all condemn the wrong act
by the teacher, but a wrong act cannot be corrected by another unlawful act.
That particular episode of the
broadcasting show surfaced on the internet through social media and other news
websites. Aside from the teacher, many were also victimized by online public persecution
through the show as if judicial or quasi-judicial procedures in the country were
not implemented. Accusations, rumors, and different opinions have already been
thrown to the people involved in those cases even before the administrative,
quasi-judicial, or judicial procedures were implemented. Hence, for all the
people, not just for the teachers, it is essential to know the fundamental
rights and obligations. Especially today that a click can already make you an
accused and even criminal.
Criminal acts or administrative
violations may now be on be committed through online platforms, especially with
our education system as our government continues to implement no face-to-face
classes.
Teaching Situation in Online Platform
The online method of teaching is
still emerging in other parts of the world, like in the Philippines. With the
COVID-19, the struggle to adopt changes has produced significant problems. One
vivid example of these problems is the implementation of the curriculum,
especially the syllabus. Different errors in student modules have produced
online criticism to the Department of Education (DepEd) and generally to the
teachers. Recently, netizens called out DepEd right after they uploaded a video
demonstrating to children wrong rhythmic patterns in an online music class
The study of Cruz, Ricalde, & Closa (2021) explained
that the Philippines still has numerous concerns about online education and
module development. It is implicated that the college instructors and teachers
have an inadequate background in implementing learning through technology. Online
modules require multiple considerations to be effective, such as the equipment
to be used, students' financial capability, internet speed connection, physical
room space, and self-paced activities that stir up the interest and effectively
teach physical fitness online.
Maybe the so-called “online
shaming” is not shaming in its entirety. We cannot blame students and other
citizens clamoring for better services from government or even private employees.
As mandated by Article XIV Section I of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, “the
state shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education
at all levels and take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to
all.”
Other students also called out
teachers who bully students just because of the slow internet connection or
vise versa. Others may have the opportunity of continuing with online learning
because they are privileged enough to have gadgets. Still, mental health
problems are inevitable because of the system of learning/teaching where overwhelming
works is thrown every day. When these students/teachers express themselves on
social media, they both get sympathy and shame.
In the end, I think shaming and
all other issues in social media do not only caused by not knowing your right
as a citizen, or for teachers, not knowing their mandate as professionals. But
all boils down to bigger core problems, the politics, and governance in the
Philippines. Imagine if we have an excellent implementation of the laws as well
as policies, we will not have the “Raffy Tulfo in Action” show as an
alternative judicial authority for the masses, teachers will have a better way
to regulate their class, and shaming will no longer be an option just to call
out attention.
Unless the unprogressive
Philippine system changes, we will remain unsystematic with a lack of proper
implementation of laws. And shaming or (for a better term) criticism may, for a
lot of people, always be a resort to be heard.
References
Cabanes, J. V.,
& Cornelio, J. (2017). The rise of trolls in the Philippines (and what
we can do about it). Retrieved from
https://www.academia.edu/download/54324043/The_rise_of_trolls_in_the_Philippines.pdf
Cruz, J. J.,
Ricalde, A. M., & Closa, J. M. (2021). Module Development for Online
Physical Education Classes: Teachers’ Perspective and Experiences.
Retrieved from 2021 12th International Conference on E-Education, E-Business,
E-Management, and E-Learning: https://doi.org/10.1145/3450148.3450153
Manahan, J.
(2020, October). DepEd says not all modules screened for quality;
volunteer error spotters 'welcome'. Retrieved from ABS-CNB News:
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/10/08/20/deped-says-not-all-modules-screened-for-quality-volunteer-error-spotters-welcome
MSN News. (2021).
Netizens notice another error in DepEd’s virtual music class.
Retrieved from https://www.msn.com/en-ph/news/other/netizens-notice-another-error-in-deped-s-virtual-music-class/ar-BB1cwZwe
Ramos, M. S.
(2019). Netizens slam Raffy Tulfo for shaming public school teacher on
radio show. Retrieved from Inquirer.net:
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1193805/netizens-slam-raffy-tulfo-for-shaming-public-school-teacher-on-radio-show
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