Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte (PNA file photo)
MANILA – The Quezon City government is investigating how a tablet device given by the city government for the distant blended learning ended up in a raid and used by some men for ‘online sabong’ (cockfight).
Mayor Joy Belmonte in a message sent to the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Thursday said it was disheartening to see a tool for learning issued by the city to one of its students being used in illegal activity.
The tablet was confiscated by the Task Force Disiplina (Discipline).
“We are currently investigating how the student’s device ended up in the hands of these men, but we will ensure the full enforcement of the relevant laws and city ordinances and will, in no way, tolerate the illegal use of these devices,” Belmonte said.
She said the city government bought the tablets to support the Learning Continuing Plan of the Department of Education (DepEd) amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
“Para sa mga bata ito at dapat manatili na gamitin para lamang sa kanilang pag-aaral (This is for the children and should be used by them for their online schooling),” she said.
Belmonte also warned that individuals may face penalties for the unauthorized use of the tablets issued to all Grade 7 to Grade 12 public school students in Quezon City.
On Feb. 14, members of TF Disiplina encountered a group of men drinking in public. Upon seeing the TF members, the men tried to escape and left the tablet on top of the table still turned on for “online sabong”.
Based on QC Council Ordinance no. 2954 S-2020, any person who uses the device aside from the student or buys them may face appropriate penalties.
Individuals who will be caught downloading games or films on the tablet will also be held liable, including the parents of the children.
Pawning or selling of the tablets is prohibited, including a fine of up to PHP5,000. (PNA)
