Dumaguete City, Philippines — Imprisonment and dismissal from service will be the hardest sanctions for coaches-teachers involved in cheating in the Palarong Pambansa or even in lower athletics meets, Department of Education (DepEd) undersecretary Franklin Sunga forewarned all tournament managers during its conference at the Oriental Negros division office yesterday.
Sunga said for the past three years there had been no more reports on cheating following the scandals involving overaged athletes in Palaro.
Inspite of that, Sunga said they have to remind all concerned parties to be responsible in organizing and in screening athletes.
Any one found to be involved in cheating under the DepEd-sanctioned events will have to face both administrative and criminal charges.
For the criminal case, falsification of public documents could mean six years and a month of imprisonment according to Sunga, while administrative charges could result into dismissal from service.
Schools and their officials who will be involved in cheating will also be dealt with appropriate sanctions.
“The objective of the Palaro is upholding values.Cheating is the opposite of good values,” Sunga said. — Caecent No-ot Magsumbol (BANAT NEWS)