• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
House Deputy Speaker and Bacolod City Lone District Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez has filed a resolution seeking a congressional investigation into the controversy involving AMA Computer College-Bacolod after 98 senior high school students were allegedly barred from participating in their graduation ceremony due to late payment of school fees.
Benitez said no student who has earned the right to graduate should be deprived of the milestone because of financial concerns, stressing that graduation is a recognition of years of hard work and sacrifice.
“Malinaw ang policy ng Department of Education (DepEd): No student who has earned the right to graduate should ever be denied that milestone because of their inability to pay. Graduation honors years of their hard work and sacrifice, at hindi dapat sayangin,” Benitez said in a statement.
The lawmaker said the issue was discussed during a meeting with the DepEd officials, parents, students, and representatives of the school, following reports that Grade 12 students were prevented from joining the June 24 commencement exercises because of alleged late payments.
“I have already filed a House resolution to investigate this matter and strengthen protection for students. Hindi na ‘to dapat maulit. Not under my watch,” Benitez stressed.
Benitez vowed to hold accountable those responsible for the incident and said the proposed congressional inquiry aims to reinforce legal safeguards protecting students from similar situations.
Beyond addressing the controversy in Bacolod, Benitez said the House resolution also seeks a comprehensive review of accountability mechanisms governing educational institutions nationwide.
He said the inquiry aims to identify gaps in existing laws and policies and recommend measures to strengthen safeguards for students and school personnel while promoting greater transparency, accountability, safety, and integrity in educational institutions. | GPB
