Manila: Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is calling for accountability in the unauthorized field trip by Bestlink College of the Philippines that endangered students, and the investment scam that defrauded teachers. In a statement on Thursday, Gatchalian expressed deep concern over the reported ‘harrowing experiences’ of students from Bestlink College during an unauthorized out-of-town founding anniversary celebration in Hermosa, Bataan. He stressed that such incidents underscore the need for strict safety protocols in off-campus school activities.

According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian emphasized that students should feel safe and supported during field trips, which are intended to enhance their education. He highlighted that the failure to ensure students’ well-being is unacceptable, citing that this was not the first time Bestlink College had faced issues with its off-campus activities. In February 2017, an off-campus activity of Bestlink College, located in Novaliches, Quezon City, resulted in 15 deaths and 40 injuries among students.

While the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has issued a show-cause order against the school, Gatchalian urged the agency to swiftly identify those responsible and impose appropriate sanctions and corrective measures. He also encouraged schools and higher institutions to revisit their policies on off-campus activities to ensure student safety is never compromised.

In a separate statement, Gatchalian condemned a cosmetics and skincare investment scam that defrauded teachers in Bi±an, Laguna, and other individuals of PHP500 million. He expressed solidarity with the victims in their call for justice and accountability, denouncing the deceitful and exploitative actions of those responsible. Estafa charges have been filed against the perpetrators, but Gatchalian called on the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to take immediate action to assist victims and urged law enforcement agencies to locate the firm’s chief executive officer, who remains unreachable.

Gatchalian pledged to collaborate with concerned government agencies, including the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and educational institutions, to strengthen financial literacy programs in the country and prevent future scams.