Dismissal of teacher who married student in Demandahan today

MANILA, Philippines - Anthony Taberna looks into the dismissal of a teacher for being in a romantic relationship with one of her students today in Pinoy True Stories: Demandahan.

“Carla,” a 30-year-old sixth grade teacher, was tasked by the school to conduct remedial classes for low-performing students, including 16-year-old “Vincent.” Vincent started showing his admiration for Carla and started courting her despite her apprehension and subtle protests. The love-struck student continued to woo his teacher until she fell in love with him.

Three months after their whirlwind romance began, the couple married in a civil ceremony and after another month, in church. But while their families were unopposed to their union, Carla’s colleagues and school principal deemed their relationship immoral.

Carla’s school terminated her services for serious misconduct, accusing her of alleged unethical conduct that downgraded the high moral values of the institution.

Carla filed a case against the school that even reached the Supreme Court. Was there substantial evidence of Carla’s imputed immoral acts? Should the amorous connection between a teacher and her student be considered sufficient basis for terminating employment?

Demandahan airs Thursdays at 4:45 p.m. on ABS-CBN Kapamilya Gold.