Press Statement from CoTeSCUP and the Suspend K-12 Coalition


The Suspend K-12 Coalition and the Council of Teachers and Staff of Colleges and Universities of the Philippines (CoTeSCUP), the lead petitioner, are deeply saddened by the decision of the Supreme Court to deny the prayer for issuance of a Temporary Restraining Order and/or writ of preliminary injunction against K-12 filed by six different groups representing the broad spectrum of education stakeholders. This development, which came at the heels of the first anniversary of the filing of the first petition on 12 March 2015, is most unwelcome, considering the real and present situation on the ground that demands the attention and concern of the Honorable Justices of the Supreme Court.
Right as we speak, the constitutional rights of affected education stakeholders are being violated. College teachers and staff are systematically being dismissed from their jobs, parents and students are confused and burdened with the additional costs of enrolling for Senior High School, and public school teachers deplore the lack of preparedness on the part of the government to implement K-12. Aside from the perennial problems besetting the public education system, such as the lack of education infrastructure, teachers, textbooks and learning materials, we face the challenge of our academic freedom being unduly sacrificed, the inadequacy of the “safety nets” being prepared by government agencies, and the low capacity of government to implement the K-12 Law despite the availability of government funding. These realities cannot and should not be ignored by those who have the power to stop the catastrophic consequences brought about by the K-12 Law.
We find solace in the fact, however, that the Supreme Court continues to deliberate on the issue of constitutionality of the said law, as we believe that the petitions are meritorious based on the various grounds presented by the petitioners. In consideration of this development, we will file a Motion for Reconsideration upon formal receipt of the decision, and once again appeal to the Honorable Justices to act on the urgency and merits of the petitions, and side with those adversely affected by the law. We continue to believe in the wisdom and prudence of the Supreme Court, and we seek compassion for all of us who have been marginalized by the K-12 Law. The framers of our Constitution envisioned a just and humane society anchored primarily on the rule of law, and this conviction emboldens us to ask from the Honorable Justices of the Supreme Court a just and humane ruling that protects the interests of those adversely affected by an ill-crafted law.
Suspend K-12 NOW!
Manila, Philippines
16 March 2016
Contact: Prof. Rene Luis M. Tadle
Lead Convener, CoTeSCUP and Suspend K-12 Coalition
rltadle@gmail.com / 0923-672-6069 / 0917-307-9697

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