The high school students who were involved in the viral Philippine flag-sweeping video were given a dismissal action by their school on Monday, February 22.
The decision by the University of the East board of trustees to dismiss the students was unanimous according to a statement posted in the UE Facebook page.
“The students involved were meted the sanction of dismissal in view of the gravity of their infraction, which was not only a direct affront to the University of the East community but to the entire country’s ideals and traditions as well,” the statement read.
The school also promised to strengthen its programs that inculcate patriotism and respect to the Philippine flag, the national anthem, and other national symbols.
“We in the University of the East shall endeavor to strengthen activities inculcating respect to the Philippine flag, the anthem and other national symbols, and shall implement measures to monitor the strict compliance and observance of the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines by our students and members of our academic and non-academic personnel,” also included in the statement.
An official statement from the University of the East, February 22, 2016…
Posted by University of the East (UE) on Monday, February 22, 2016
On February 9, a video of a student mopping the floor using the Philippine flag became viral and drew flak from netizens.
UE did not deny that the individuals involved in the video are its students and that the incident happened inside their campus. The school also said that the act happened between classes, and that no teacher was around when the 22-second video was taken.
“We lament that this act, as well as its recording and sharing online, were done by students right inside our school-the entire scenario far removed from the education our institution imparts and the values we in the UE community uphold,” Ester Albano Garcia,UE President and Chief Academic Officer, said in an earlier statement.
Section 34 of the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines states that it is forbidden “to mutilate, deface, defile, trample or cast contempt” on the flag, or allow “any act or omission casting dishonor or ridicule upon the flag over its surface.”
There were mixed reactions from the netizens.
Luigi Dimaunahan felt sad for the student, saying that the punishment is too harsh for a high school student.
“I feel sad for the guy, sa opinion ko too much ito for a highschool student to handle. Kahit pa sobrang negative ang naging epekto nito sa beloved school ko, i was expecting a lighter punishment na in any point makakamulat ng sobrang mali pa rin ang ginawa niya. I hope the guy can handle it psychologically speaking. Nagkamali din tyo noong bata tayo.”
Others are okay with the decision, hoping that it will serve as a lesson and example to others.
Ryan Pineda said this in a comment:
“Ignorance of the law is not an excuse. They were clearly aware of the repercussions, sabi pa nga dba wag daw ipakita ang mukha nya sa video. Aware sila sa ginagawa nila, hindi lang sila ready for what’s coming to them. Be it a lesson for everyone, not just with those kids involved.”
What do you think, guys. Do you agree with the school’s decision?
Sources: gmanetwork.com, facebook.com/UniversityoftheEastUE/
[mashshare]
Thailand Eagles Club makes positive impact through bloodletting, giving food packs, and donating goods
Memory House Cafe Sam Phran, a colorful, spacious scenery by the river
Family of 23-yo Pinoy teacher who died in motorcycle accident in Prachinburi needs help
Meet the Ateneo OF-LIFE Secretariat 2023 Bangkok
ATENEO OF-LIFE LSE Thailand opens for fourth batch of enrollees
FLIGHT CONFIRMED: Third Special Chartered Flight on July 16 at Don Muang Airport
Pinoy Events in December 2020
Philippines bans flights from Thailand beginning July 25-31
Lucky Me noodles recalled by Ireland, France, and Malta over pesticide content
Brazilian student got arrested at Bali airport with marijuana he bought from Thailand
Nationwide mandatory bring-your-own-cup discounts to start on July 1 in Taiwan
Ilonggo Vloggir: Immigration tips para hindi ma-offload
“Spider” ticketing pressured for October 2017
Steps on passport renewal at the Philippine Embassy Bangkok
Blazing Pinoys
Piyavate Hospital’s International Medical staff composed of 11 Filipinos, 1 Burmese and 3 Thais
Pia Wurtzbach joins Thai Red Cross event; honors Princess Soamsawali
TALENTMAN: Transcendental Trendsetter