Sereno: Teachers don’t steal public funds

MANILA, Philippines - Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, whose parents were former teachers, yesterday paid tribute to teachers, whom she said do not steal from state coffers despite being poorly paid public servants.

The top magistrate made the statement as she spoke during the World Teachers’ Day celebration led by Education Secretary Armin Luistro.

“Encourage the youth to awaken their patriotic hearts. Do not let them stop dreaming for themselves and for a righteous nation,” Sereno said in Filipino.

She also urged teachers to show students the ill effects of corruption.

“Show them how the evil of corruption destroys the soul of our nation,” said Sereno, who was called “Punong Guro ng Katarungan” by Luistro.

For his part, Luistro said that teachers would always be remembered because even if teachers are not perfect individuals, they have planted many good things in people.

“The nation’s gratitude to you would never run out. On behalf of the government, accept our deep gratitude and high regard to you, our heroic teachers,” Luistro said in Filipino.

“A lawyer or a fixer is not needed to enter heaven. Students are the ones who would let us in,” he told the teachers.