19/08/2026
ACT on Usec. Castro’s defense, non-apology
Presidential Communications Office Usec. Claire Castro’s attempt to dismiss teachers’ outrage as “pang-iintriga,” “misconception,” and “misinterpretation” evades the issue. What she calls a misunderstanding is a legitimate and collective response from educators across the country who were directly insulted by the Palace’s sweeping insinuation that teachers are teaching children to become “walang modo.”
What was the point of highlighting that some teachers teach students to misbehave? If there are cases of teacher misconduct, these should be investigated and addressed through proper accountability. They should not be casually invoked in a discussion about violence in schools, as though teachers bear responsibility for a crisis rooted in far deeper and more complex failures. Dragging teachers into the issue this way is not only misplaced but deeply irresponsible. Teachers are not perpetrators of this crisis. We are among those who confront its consequences every day.
This is not merely an “ACT reaction.” It reflects the anger of educators who have endured years of government neglect, crushing workloads, inadequate resources, stagnant benefits, and salaries far from decent and livable levels. This disregard for teachers is also evident in the inhumane working conditions and the deplorable state of our schools, where shortages continue to mount. Policies and reforms are imposed without sufficient consultation or support, while teachers are conveniently made scapegoats for systemic problems. Teachers have every right to speak out when they are insulted and blamed for problems the government itself has failed to address.
It is equally disturbing that those in power want to police how teachers express their outrage. Freedom of expression does not disappear when government officials are criticized. Teachers have every right to condemn failed governance, demand accountability, and express anger over statements and policies that demean their profession.
We call on the Marcos Jr. administration to show the responsibility, professionalism, and accountability it so readily demands from teachers but repeatedly fails to demonstrate itself. The Filipino people have seen corruption, wasteful spending, repression, violations of people’s rights and freedoms, and misplaced priorities. We have also seen government officials evade accountability, issue denials, and defend the indefensible while ordinary Filipinos bear the consequences.
Teachers will not be silenced, gaslighted, or made scapegoats.
The government should stop pointing fingers at teachers and confront its own record. The crisis in our schools demands accountability and a genuine commitment to prioritizing education.
