Erin Devanadera

Manila Schools Division Superintendent Rita E. Riddle has received case charges from Manila teachers who protested against her ‘administrative abuse and misconduct’ on International Human Rights Day on December 10, 2024.

Photos Courtesy of Manila Public School Teachers Association/GSIS.

The Manila Public Schools Teacher Association (MPSTA) and the Alliance of Concerned Teachers National Capital Region Union (ACT NCR Union) have filed succeeding charges against Riddle following her complaints to the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and Office of the Ombudsman (OTO) directed against members and leaders of the MPSTA.

Around 200 teacher participants organized a protest in front of DepEd’s Schools Division Office of Manila and pointed out the superintendent’s anti-teacher directive and regulations on May 15, 2024, including the alleged suppression of the human rights exercised by public school teachers. 

“We are taking this bold step today to hold accountable those who abuse their power to suppress teachers' legitimate rights to organize and express dissent,” said MPSTA President Hogier Villarias regarding Riddle’s objectionary charge towards MPSTA teachers. 

“The filing of trumped-up charges against our members who participated in a peaceful mass delegation last May is a clear case of harassment and intimidation,” he added. 

Furthering their response and resilience against the prerogative, the MPSTA held a peaceful protest on December 10, 2024, to help amplify the details highlighting teachers’ hardships, rights, and responsibilities in alignment with the International Day of Human Rights. 

"We chose International Human Rights Day to file these charges to underscore that the right to organize and express legitimate grievances are fundamental human rights that must be protected, not suppressed. Public school teachers deserve better than to be harassed for standing up for their rights and welfare," he concluded. 

The Manila Public Schools Teacher Association (MPSTA) is a non-stock and non-profit organization created on February 26, 1963, to establish safe and legal spaces and communities for public school teachers in Manila to advocate for the enhancement and advancement of educational rights and services, particularly against divisional and authoritative offenses against teachers.