Ombudsman suspends teacher for collecting fees, improper behavior

THE Office of the Ombudsman for the Visayas has suspended a public high school teacher in Cebu City after he was found administratively liable for collecting unauthorized fees amounting to P46,440 from his students, and displaying improper behavior while on duty.

Rico Masong Cayanan, a Cosmetology instructor of Abellana National School, was found guilty by the anti-graft office of “conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service” and was meted a penalty of six months and one day suspension without pay.

The case stemmed from an anonymous caller who informed the Ombudsman’s office about the alleged irregular acts of Cayanan, prompting the Ombudsman’s field investigation office to conduct an investigation.

During the investigation, the 54 former students of Cayanan gave sworn statements that their teacher collected several amounts from them, supposedly for the purchase of equipment to be used for their Cosmetology subject, such as a second-hand air-conditioning unit, tarpaulin, electric fan, leatherette bed cover, handouts, foot spa machine, bed foam, plants, and paraffin wax, among others.

Cayanan allegedly acted improperly by forcing students to buy materials from him that were overpriced and not giving grades to those who have not paid the materials.

It was also found that Cayanan allegedly directed students to perform tasks not related to their subject, like washing the carpets, curtains, blankets, and water glasses, making Nestea drinks, scrubbing his feet, having his hair ironed, and buying goods for him outside of the school beyond school hours.

In his counter-affidavit, Cayanan denied the charges against him. He said the students agreed among themselves to pool their resources to purchase the equipment.