DepEd officials, teachers support Raguindin

by Virgilio Sar. Maganes

BINALONAN- School administrators and teachers of Pangasinan II Schools Division issued a manifesto showing their “unwavering support” to Schools Division Superintendent Viraluz S. Raguindin, denouncing allegations against her in a weekly newspaper and through text messages.

The manifesto denounced allegations in text messages and news articles and editorial published in the several issues of Northern Star accusing Raguindin for selling items for promotion, transfer and permanent positions in addition to the claim that these are done in exchange for sex with her son Rovijohn.

“At our level, we categorically tag the text messages and published news articles and editorial as malicious, baseless, irresponsible and untrue information which are all a product of imagination of those who wish to destroy her (Raguindin) administration,” the school administrators and teachers declared.

The news article was published in the October 23-24, 2011 issue of Northern Star with title “Mister at anak ni Raguindin palayasin sila” by-lined by a certain Evelyn Abaw-Sargado. The paper also carried the editorial ” Pamilya ni Raguindin”.

In the news article, Raguindin was tagged as selling teachers’ items caused by natural vacancy, promotions and transfer in the amount of P120,000, part of which were allegedly given to DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro, DepEd Regional Director Ma. Ligaya Soledad T. Miguel and officers of the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

In the editorial, Raguindin was accused of hiring her husband Robert and son Rovijohn as casual employees of the division.

Regarding the allegations that Raguindin’s son Rovijohn figured out in a sexual affair in exchange for teacher’s item, the manifesto said that ” it is an act of idiocracy. We believe that female teachers are not that idiot to be a victim of such immorality. They deserve respect and self-esteem.”

A principal who requested anonymity said the published news articles are absurd and devoid of truth designed to besmirch the reputation of Raguindin.

“How can she sell teachers’ items when her work is just ministerial. She signs documents emanating from the district levels for elementary schools and from the principals in the secondary schools. The documents will also pass the scrutinies (sic) of the assistant schools superintendents, subject supervisors and the administrative officer,” the principal said.

He further said that for the filling up of vacancies at the elementary level, a promotion and selection board at the district level is responsible for the process. For the secondary level, a promotion and selection boards from the secondary schools are also created to oversee the process of selection and promotion.

“Mrs. Raguindin has no direct hand in the hiring of teachers as well as in promoting them,” the manifesto said.

“With her three years in the division which she has shown honesty, dedication, commitment and a responsible leader, our strong support and confidence of Madam Raguindin’s adminstration remain and will continue despite the unjust character assassination sheis facing,” the manifesto stated.