Why the viral sampaguita vendor was wearing a high school uniform despite being a college student
As the incident about the sampaguita vendor who was seen being mistreated by a mall guard continues to make the rounds online, social media users are questioning why the seller was wearing a high school uniform after it was revealed that she's a 22-year-old college student.
In the viral video, the girl, in a high school uniform, can be seen sitting on the platform outside SM Megamall when the guard came by and seemingly instructed her to go away. Things escalated when he grabbed the sampaguita she was holding and threw it on the ground, causing a fight between the two.
After the girl was confirmed to be a 22-year-old scholar in a private school and not a member of any syndicate, questions about why she was wearing a uniform for high schoolers in the first place were posed.
In a press release, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said they have interviewed her family and learned that she's a first year medical technology student who is "striving to finish her studies" by selling sampaguitas along with her twin sister.
"Kaya sila nagsusumikap na magtinda, doon sila kumukuha ng baon at pamasahe. Tapos ang iba ay itatabi nila para pagdating ng bayarin ay mayroon silang pagkukunan," the girl's mother told the agency.
DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said that the girl had to wear a high school uniform due to their financial troubles.
"Dahil nga mahirap sila, kung anong available na uniform ay ‘yun po ginagamit nila," she said, according to a report by GMA News.
The girl reiterated this in an interview with ABS-CBN News, reasoning that she only has a few clothes. She said she only chose to wear her junior high uniform at the time as she wanted to keep her only college uniform clean for school.
"Nagsuot po ako ng uniform kasi para maging disente po sa harap ng tao at hindi po pagpapanggap 'yun at totoo naman po akong nag-aaral," she said.
Her mother also shared why her daughter was wearing her high school uniform while selling flowers. "Hindi sindikato ang anak ko, walang kaso 'yan. Kaya siya naka-uniporme dahil mas madali makabenta," she explained, per an ABS-CBN News report.
The vendor's parent said they have decided not to press charges against the security guard despite what happened. "Nagalit kami sa ginawa ng security guard, pero inisip na lang namin na baka katulad namin siya na mahirap din," she said.
The DSWD has provided an initial cash assistance of P20,000 to the girl's family and assured that they will further assess their situation to determine what other interventions may be provided, such as the Sustainable Livelihood Program.
Security guard dismissed by mall
SM Megamall, in a statement, said it had called the attention of the guard's security agency to conduct an immediate and thorough investigation on the incident.
"We regret and sympathize with the young girl who experienced an unfortunate incident outside our mall," it said.
The guard has been dismissed and will no longer be allowed to service SM malls.
"As SM Supermalls always promotes inclusivity for all, we strongly condemn this act committed against her," it added.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) also said that the guard may get his licensed revoked as he "possibly" violated conduct and decorum in the performance of his duty.
"May mga violation 'yan, violation sa kanyang ethical standards, violation sa kanyang professional security creed. Titingnan natin kung may violation ng special laws at pwede madagdag 'yung sa administrative complaint sa SOSIA," PNP Civil Security Group spokesperson Lt. Col. Eudisan Gultiano said.
"Considering na medyo maraming possible na maifile na cases, maari pong ma-aggravate ito, maari pong ma-impose siya ng penalty na suspension. Pwede rin cancelation and revocation ng lisensya," she added.
The security agency that employed the guard, Redeye II, also issued an official statement over what happened and apologized "for the actions displayed in the video." It assured the public that it's "already conducting due process with the guard involved."
"May this serve as a reminder to all agencies of the values we must uphold in performing our duties. It is crucial to prioritize de-escalation and avoid letting emotions take control of our actions," it said.
The company noted it would continue to remind its team to "act with empathy, compassion, and professionalism at all times."
