THE GABRIELA Women’s Party, led by its first nominee and former Rep. Sarah Elago, strongly condemned the predatory actions of a teacher who admitted to forming a relationship with one of his former students.

The Party expressed grave concern over the case, which sparked national outrage and highlighted the vulnerability of young girls to abuse by figures of authority.

Teacher Benedict Mary Ambos posted on Facebook about how he met his wife when she was still a minor and admitted to maintaining communication with her while she was in grade school. His post, revealing a 36-year age gap between them, drew heavy criticism from netizens who condemned the relationship as an abuse of authority and a form of grooming.

“We are appalled by this blatant case of grooming and abuse of power. This is a grave violation of trust, and no one, especially those in positions of authority, should exploit their influence to prey on minors. This is a clear example of grooming that must be condemned in the strongest terms,” Elago said.

In a public statement, Ambos admitted to texting the child while she was still in school and acknowledged that their relationship began before she turned 18. Questions have since arisen about whether he impregnated her before she reached the legal age of 18.

“Nakakabahala ito lalo’t nagiging laganap ang grooming sa mga eskwelahan. Children must be protected from predators, especially in spaces where they should feel safe—like schools,” Elago said.

Elago called for an immediate investigation into the case and the revocation of the teacher’s license to prevent further potential abuse.

To address these concerns, GABRIELA is preparing to file an Anti-Grooming Bill, which would criminalize predatory behavior by adults who exploit relationships with minors, particularly those in positions of power or trust.

“This is not an isolated case. It highlights a systemic problem that demands immediate legislative attention. We must protect our children and ensure that schools are safe spaces where they can learn without fear of exploitation,” Elago added.