PRC licensure exam watcher nabbed for leaking questionnaires

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — A contracted Professional Regulation Commission watcher here was arrested for leaking official PRC examination materials to a review center during the licensure examinations for teachers on Sunday, the National Bureau of Investigation reported.

NBI Regional Director Arcelito Albao said senior high school teacher Franklin Anota Jr. was caught in the act of taking photos of the test questionnaires and sending them to an unidentified review center in the city.

Anota allegedly voluntarily admitted to taking photos and forwarding the test materials in exchange for monetary compensation.

Albao said the suspect would be subjected to criminal inquest proceedings for violation of the PRC Modernization Act of 2000 as amended by Republic Act 9416, which penalizes examination-related fraud, leakage or irregularities.

If proven guilty, Anota could face imprisonment of six to 12 years and a fine ranging from P50,000 to P100,000.

Albao said the NBI is investigating the case further to determine if Anota also violated the Revised Penal Code, particularly on fraud and falsification.

He added that the NBI and PRC are working to identify the review center and the possible accomplices of the suspect.

Albao stressed that the NBI is working closely with the PRC and the Philippine National Police to dismantle any organized network that undermines the credibility of professional examinations.