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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Viral 'toga-shaming' can lead to worsened bullying, says Kabataan Party-list

Viral 'toga-shaming' can lead to worsened bullying, says Kabataan Party-list

Published Apr 20, 2025 05:42 am

At A Glance

  • The viral "toga-shaming" at Col. Ruperto Abellon National High School and the remarks of the principal during the incident could worsen the problem of bullying, according to Kabataan Party-list first nominee lawyer Renee Co.

Screenshot_20250419_155400_Facebook.jpgA screenshot of the viral "toga-shaming" incident at Col. Ruperto Abellon National High School in Laua-an, Antique (Facebook)

The viral "toga-shaming" at Col. Ruperto Abellon National High School and the remarks of the principal during the incident could worsen the problem of bullying.

Thus, said Kabataan Party-list first nominee lawyer Renee Co, even as the Department of Education (DepEd) looked into the matter.

In particular, Co slammed the school principal's threat to call the police on students who refused to take off their togas or graduation gown.

"Hindi po pinapupulis ang mga bata at magulang na nagsasaya lang. Hindi krimen ang malayang pagpahayag at pananamit. Lalala lang ang problema ng bullying at mental health sa kabataan dahil sa pagdidisiplina batay sa bulag na pagsunod. Dapat managot ang principal dito anuman ang abutin ng imbestigasyon ng DepEd," said the aspiring congresswoman.

(The police shouldn't be called on children and parents who are simply enjoying themselves. Freedom of expression and clothing choices are not crimes. Disciplining based on blind obedience will only worsen bullying and mental health issues among the youth. The principal should be held accountable, regardless of the outcome of the DepEd investigation.)

"Hindi aabot sa ganito kung ang tingin sa estudyante ay taong may karapatan, kaysa produkto lang na ipapadala sa pabrika at pagawaan. Dapat ipasa na ang Students Rights Bill para hindi naiiwan ang karapatan at dignidad ng kabataan pagpasok sa eskwelahan," added Co.

(This would not have escalated to this point if students were viewed as individuals with rights, rather than just products sent off to factories and workplaces. The Students' Rights Bill should be passed to ensure that young people's dignity and rights are not disregarded once they step into school.)

In the viral video of a senior high school graduation ceremony held last Aprl 15 at the school in Laua-an, Antique, the principal, Venus Divinia Nietes, was seen berating the students for wearing togas, which apparently wasn't the prescribed attire.

Taking up the cudgels for the learners, Co asserted that "Students’ rights matter."

Hindi mas mataas ang mga malupit ng handbook o utos ng mga opisyal kaysa sa Saligang Batas. Ayaw nating lumaking api at sunud-sunuran ang mga kabataan (No harsh handbook or directive from officials is above the Constitution. We do not want our youth to grow up oppressed and blindly obedient)," she said.

Related Tags

Col. Ruperto Abellon National High School Kabataan party-list Renee Co toga
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