By MERLINDA A. PEDROSA

House Deputy Speaker and Bacolod City Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said no student shall ever be denied a chance to graduate despite the learner’s inability to pay school fees.

This comes after at least 98 senior high school students at a computer college in Bacolod were allegedly barred from participating in their graduation ceremony on June 24.

“I have already filed a House resolution to investigate this matter and strengthen protections for students,” Benitez said.

“This must never happen again. Not under my watch,” he added.

Benitez said graduation is a recognition of years of hard work, perseverance and sacrifice, and no student should be deprived of it.

He said they had already discussed the students’ concerns along with officials from the Department of Education, parents, students, and representatives from the school.

On Wednesday, July 1, a second notice of violation was served by the city government against AMA Computer College – Bacolod campus for operating without a business permit.

The college has not yet secured permits despite being given three days to comply.

The city government advised the college to immediately stop their business operations.

The institution is required to comply with all requirements to secure permits within 15 working days./MAP, WDJ