Usec. Claire Castro says teacher remarks taken out of context, denies blaming teachers

Abi Sarabia M., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
August 20, 2026

Photo courtesy: Philippine News Agency

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro clarified that her remarks about teachers were taken out of context, saying she was not blaming educators for recent cases of student violence.

Castro issued the clarification after drawing criticism over her statement that she had encountered cases where some teachers allegedly influenced students to disrespect elders and other people.

She said her remarks were not an attack on teachers and should be viewed as a reminder of their role in shaping the behavior of young people.

“Hindi po ito paninisi. Sana ilagay po natin sa tamang konteksto ang aking sinabi. Hindi ito pag-atake sa mga guro,” Castro said.

She also stressed that she was not referring to all teachers, but only to specific incidents.

Castro cited a case in Davao City where some students allegedly used inappropriate language against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. She also mentioned another incident involving a teacher whom she accused of teaching students improper behavior, which she said was reported to the Department of Education.

“Wala po tayong binabanggit na sinisisi na mga guro. Ito ay pagpapaalala sa ating mga kagalang-galang na guro kung ano po ang kanilang role bilang taga-hubog ng magandang kaugalian, lalung-lalo na sa mga kabataan,” she said.

The Palace official said she continues to respect teachers, noting that her late mother was also a public school teacher.

Castro appealed to educators not to take her remarks negatively, saying her intention was only to emphasize their responsibility as second parents to students.

Her clarification came amid discussions on recent violent incidents in schools involving students.