Acting Chairman of the Teaching Service Commission (TSC), Mr. Samson Wangihomie recently addressed concerns raised by the media, regarding NCD headteachers and principals unable to speak freely to the media on issues affecting their schools as they are afraid of facing suspension. This was communicated to Mr. Wangihomie during the swearing-in of PNG Teaching Council’s new members recently. Teachers often want to expose issues affecting their schools to the media but hold back due to the possibility of suspension. Mr. Wangihomie clarified that teachers should not feel intimidated when speaking on such matters as they are protected by the Whistleblower’s Act 2020. “A teacher should not feel threatened.” “The only body of authority who can carry out termination is the Teaching Services Commission – not the Education Division, nobody else.” He gave an example regarding a matter that occurred in Morobe Province, where a teacher spoke on issues regarding teacher appointments which led to the Provincial Education Board nearly pressing charges against the teacher. “TSC looked into the matter and had it settled.” “If what a teacher says, makes you react negatively, it means the teacher spoke the truth.” He also encouraged the media to report on what teachers say. “You are duty bound to report anything and everything – you are doing your job.” “Whatever teachers say, you report it and TSC shall handle the matter.” Mr. Wangihomie affirmed that Teaching Service Commission is committed to protecting its teachers.