Teachers Swear At Philippine Ministry for Politically‑Loaded Class Material
Just a few weeks before the president‑ballot, an instructional module that turned up on social media sparked an outcry among educators in Manila. The booklet, meant for 17‑ to 18‑year‑olds, had two big hiccups: it painted the opposition star Leni Robredo in a harsh light while showering praise on the reigning chief, Rodrigo Duterte. Even more outrageous was a supposed endorsement from the UK’s Queen, saying the Filipino republic “is very fortunate to have him.”
What the Module Looked Like
- Students had to spot spelling or grammar errors in news headlines.
- They were also asked to flag “unsubstantiated generalisations” about Robredo.
- Another test asked pupils to verify a quote supposedly from Queen Elizabeth praising Duterte.
Clearly, the material wasn’t simply a lit‑review exercise – it was a political campaign disguised as a learning tool.
Teachers Take a Stand
The ACT Teachers Partylist, a congressional group that represents teachers nationwide, issued a statement saying:
“Teachers have already been pushed to the brink after two years of pandemic restrictions. This creeped‑in political content is just the cherry on a cake we didn’t order.”
They called for a thorough review process and urged the ministry to stop using taxpayer money for “shoddy teaching materials” that double up as partisan propaganda.
Ministry’s Response
Education Secretary Leonor Briones confirmed the module had bypassed the standard quality check, and it was taken down immediately. She also warned teachers against getting involved in “partisan politics” and pledged to protect the integrity of the curriculum.
Robredo’s Reaction
On the day the controversy broke out, Robredo warned:
“We should never publish educational content that can poison the public’s mind. The people deserve truth, not manipulation.”
She echoed the teachers’ concern that the political spin could mislead students and distort the democratic process.
Bottom Line
Whether it was a careless mistake or a deliberate sleight of hand, the incident highlights a growing tension between education and politics. Critics say the ministry must keep the academic sphere free from partisan bias – especially when elections are looming.
