MANILA -- A coalition of teachers has expressed opposition to the proposed random bag and locker inspection in schools, saying it is a threat to students' privacy and a burden to teachers.
This, after National Capital Region Police Office's director Chief Supt. Guillermo Eleazar proposed the implementation of surprise inspections in schools to nip the nationwide drug problem in the bud.
In an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA), Quezon City Public School Teachers Association Vice President Ruby Ana Bernardo said on Monday the inspections could create a traumatic experience on students because "they are treated as suspects instead of mere learners."
Bernardo explained such inspections also pose grave threat to the safety and security of teachers in the community "as some students and their gangs might take revenge on the teachers" who would be at the forefront of the proposal.
"This proposal is an additional burden on part of the teachers. There are tons of paperwork already outside the actual classroom instruction," she said.
F.G. Calderon High School principal Araceli Bondoc told PNA that students, being minors, are entitled to their own privacy and school heads have to be child-friendly and protect and safeguard them while in school.
"Added to this is the possibility that notorious policemen might plant prohibited drugs in the lockers just to have 'catch'," she said.
Warren Galang, father of a junior high school student, said he agrees with the proposal provided that the inspections must be done by the teacher and not the police.
"Just to ensure safety and evidence drugs won't be planted on the students' belongings," he said.
Alyssa Datario, a senior high school student, said the inspections are key in maintaining the safety in schools and discipline among students.
"Sa pamamagitan po nito hindi maku-kunsinti ang mga mag-aaral na gumagamit ng droga at maiiwasan madamay ang mga kamag-aral (Through this, students who are using drugs won't be condoned and students who don't use drugs won't be involved), she said.
Last week, Eleazar proposed the implementation of surprise inspections in schools in order to "keep the youth from getting mixed up with illegal drugs". (PNA)
