Got a tip? Send it to us at manila@coconuts.co.
The Court of Appeals (CA) ordered the Sto. Niño Parochial School (SNPS) to issue a Certificate of Good Moral Character to Krisel Mallari, the student who was stopped by school officials in the middle of her high school salutatory address last Mar 21.
In an 8-page order dated Jul 29, penned by Associate Justice Socorro Inting, the appellate court’s Second Division granted Mallari’s plea for a temporary restraining order and/or writ of preliminary injunction and ordered the issuance of the certificate to Mallari.
“It is of judicial notice that the [University of Sto. Tomas] starts its classes for the first semester anytime within the month of August 2015. In this regard and considering that time of the essence, this court reiterates its order that SNPS should issue a Certificate of Good Moral Character in favor of Krisel immediately upon receipt of this resolution,” the CA said.
The certificate is a requirement for Mallari’s admission into UST’s Accountancy program. The university gave Mallari up to Jul 15 to comply with the requirement, which led Mallari to request for an extension.
The appellate court stressed that Mallari is a minor who was merely expressing her own views and opinions during the graduation rites last Mar 21 and “should not be punished arbitrarily for exercising her right to freedom of expression.”
“Krisel, just like any other child, commits transgressions and therefore, must be disciplined. However, the manner by which she is disciplined should not go to the extent of spoiling or destroying her dreams and aspirations.
“Krisel’s welfare is of paramount interest and of primordial consideration and the state is mandated to act on her behalf to ensure that her rights are protected and her dreams and hopes are not put to waste,” the CA said.
The appellate court also ordered SNPS and its registrar, Yolanda Casero, comment on Mallari’s petition within a period of 10 days.
The order was concurred in by Associate Justices Remedios Salazar-Fernando and Priscilla Baltazar-Padilla.
Text: Ina Reformina, ABS-CBN News
Photo: News clip
This article has been re-published with permission from ABS-CBNnews.com.
