Principal suspended for collecting fees, caressing teachers

By MIKE GUIMBATAN JR.

BAGUIO CITY – A principal of an elementary public school here was given a minimal suspension of sixty days by the Department of Education for caressing female teachers and collecting fees from a private affiliation school.

Virginia Gorospe, married and former principal of Pinsao Elementary School presently assigned at Dona Nicasia Elementary school was earlier meted six months suspension for simple dishonesty and simple misconduct on Sept. 27, 2007 but was reduced to two months on Dec. 26, 2007 upon the filing of a motion for reconsideration.

Regional Cordillera DepEd Director Benito S. Tumamao issued the order which was implemented by Baguio Schools Division Superintendent Ellen B. Donato on Jan. 9.

The teachers complained in March 2005 that Gorospe admitted students from a caregiver school in Pangasinan and gained from the transaction evidenced by unofficial receipts presented. Also, the principal was charged for caressing buttocks, cupping her hands on breasts, lifting skirts, and caressing legs.

Gorospe however countered the amount given from the caregiver students using the school was a token of appreciation. She added she was “neither a pervert or lesbian and her alleged malicious utterances and acts against female teachers were only jokes made between friends who have no malice in their minds.” She added “it is only in the minds of the complainants where they injected malice and lewd designs”.

The charges stemmed from a formal complaint of Pinsao Proper elementary teachers Jorelyn Pascua, Dominga Gravidez, Marissa Jorvina, Silverio Maximo, Nancy Pal-og, May Magdalena Agaguen, Brigette Galong, Herminia Ramon, Jovelyn Balantin, Cherry Baden, Jacqueline Gurang, John Kin-iway, Robelyn Gurang, Simona Wooden, Feliza Degawan, Rosalinda Atiwen, Marissa De Guzman, and Rose Graal Malidom.

Lawyer Anthony Wooden representing the complainants said they were not contented with the minimal suspension so they will appeal the decision to the Education Secretary.