THE ALLIANCE of Concerned Teachers called for an independent and thorough investigation of the maternity leave scam that involves some teachers.

“No stone should be left unturned for the whole truth to be brought to light,” Vladimer Quetua, the group’s chairperson, said.

The scam came to light after Dr. Ellery Quintia, Curriculum Implementation Division chief of the Department of Education Division of Taguig City-Pateros, revealed that some teachers allegedly filed maternity leaves several times in the course of three years.

In response to the allegations, Quetua said he does not believe that a regular public school teacher can create and execute such a racketeering act.

“It is practically gambling his/her job, reputation and whole future, which no one would dare lose, especially amid the severe economic crisis,” he said.

“If ever there is truth to this, it is impossible for a teacher to do it single-handedly as many responsible personnel, including officials, need to be involved to successfully claim maternity leave benefits,” he added.

Quetua urged officials to investigate the matter and to bring before the law all those who benefited from the scam.

Education Secretary and Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio has ordered DepEd officials to form a committee to investigate the matter.