The Department of Education in Central Visayas (DepEd 7) will conduct its investigation on the incident.
DepEd 7 Director Salustiano Jimenez said on Friday, March 10, 2023, that his office has yet to receive a copy of the complaint, but he assured that his office would look into the incident.
Jimenez said the teacher may be reprimanded, suspended, or dismissed from his job if he is found guilty.
The victim, who hails from Carcar City, is a 21-year-old graduating education student at a state university in Naga City.
SunStar Cebu is withholding the name of the teacher to protect the victim’s identity.
The student reported the incident to the Naga City Police Station on Tuesday, March 7, 2023.
After taking the student’s sworn statement, police filed the complaint of acts of lasciviousness against the teacher before the city prosecutor’s office.
According to the victim, the incident happened after she arrived at the public high school where she is completing her practicum requirement early in the morning of Feb. 16, 2023.
The victim said the teacher made advances on her and commented inappropriately about her body. Despite the student resisting him, the teacher continued to harass her.
The next day, the student reported the incident to her college dean.
The high school teacher was charged after violating Article 336 of the Revised Penal Code, which prohibits and punishes acts of lasciviousness. (KJF)