Probing on schools penalizing students speaking Tagalog

I studies in public schools from elementary to college and even when I was in graduate school. Speaking Tagalog in school was freely done  since we were penalized in doing so. But if it is already English time, we didn't have a choice but to speak in English even if you were just borrowing a pencil from your seatmate. If the teacher or group leaders heard you talking in Tagalog, she or they will penalize us 25 cents. Not a big amount. But hey it is still money. The money that will be collected will be part of the funds  to buy pieces of chalk  and other classroom supplies. We were all anxious for the bell to ring so that our English class will end and everything will be back to normal. 

But Kabataan Partylist Representative Raymond Palatino is taking this seriously. HE has filed a resolution seeking an investigation of schools allegedly penalizing students who speak in Tagalog and other local dialects. In  House Resolution no. 1567 that he filed, he  stated that it is understood how  important the English in today’s world. But the country’s attempt to integrate in this globalized community of English tongues should not be done at the expense of the different Philippine vernaculars.

He is asking that some schools are penalizing students for speaking the  native language in schools like is a crime to the culture and it should be stopped. 

He considered the action as  “misdirected valorization” of the English language that has repressed the use of some 150 native dialects in the country.

"He cited the prevalent practice in schools wherein students who are caught speaking in Tagalog or another local dialect are penalized in the form of monetary fines and demerits."

Actually, there is truth in his claim. However, there are always two sides of the coin. In the advent of the technology, Filipinos should have a mastery of the English language because it is a global language. 

I wonder what is the reaction of DepEd on this...