FOR calling Singaporeans "moronic" and "incompetent", a Filipino woman was flamed by netizens.
It turns out that it was not Ms Rachelle Ann Beguia who had posted the "insensitive" comments about Singaporeans.
Her husband, Mr Joachim Gay Chao Hui, a Singaporean teacher, has admitted that he made the postings in her name.
The Tampines Junior College (TPJC) teacher is now being investigated by the Ministry of Education (MOE) over those comments.
Mr Gay, 34, had accused Singaporeans of being "moronic" and "incompetent" a day after National Day on the Facebook page of Member of Parliament Penny Low.
He was urging Ms Low to ignore netizens who had criticised her for using her mobile phone during the National Anthem at the National Day Parade.
Mr Gay had logged in using an account he shared with Ms Beguia, a clerk at the National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS), and had made the posting under her name.
In the posting, he questioned the loyalty of NSmen, saying they would "pack up and run" if asked to fight a war.
He also suggested that Singaporeans were "incompetent" because foreigners could snatch away their jobs and flats.
On Saturday, Mr Gay admitted to being behind the post and apologised.
"I would like to express my remorse and deepest apologies to the people of Singapore who have been hurt by my remarks," he wrote on Ms Low's Facebook wall.
He conceded that his remarks had "inflamed many Singaporeans", and added that his wife, who is in her 30s, did not know about the postings.
However, he did not explain why he had made the postings in her name.
She had been under "immense emotional distress" as a result of the saga, Mr Gay wrote.
"I am completely responsible and at fault, and wish to express my sincerest apologies to those who have been hurt by my postings (and) the National Heart Centre," he added.
Mr Gay has been at TPJC since 2004, teaching China Studies in English.
MOE investigating
Responding to queries from The New Paper, an MOE spokesman said in an e-mail reply: "MOE takes a serious view of Gay's reported actions and statements on the Internet.
"We are currently investigating the case and will take appropriate disciplinary action against him.
"MOE expects our teachers to conduct themselves in a manner that upholds the high standing of the profession, both in a personal and professional capacity. The same expectations apply to the use of online platforms."
The spokesman added that teachers may participate in online social networking or discussion on matters that are not directly related to their work, provided they do so in their personal capacity, act in a responsible manner and do so in their own time.
She stressed that teachers have been advised to be mindful that the Internet is another public forum and they will be personally responsible for anything posted online.
When contacted, TPJC's principal, Ms Helen Choo, said Mr Gay had voluntarily told the school about his posting. He also apologised to the school.
Ms Choo said in an e-mail: "We were shocked and dismayed by his postings as they were inconsistent with his conduct and behaviour in college.
"He (has always been) hard-working, dedicated and well-respected by his students."
Ms Choo added that TPJC teachers have been consistently made aware that they should always be responsible and civil in their conduct, and uphold the integrity of their profession.
"This includes their participation in public forums and online platforms, even in their personal capacity," she said. The NHCS has also investigated Ms Beguia.
An NHCS spokesman told TNP in an e-mail that Mr Gay had posted the comments, and that the Facebook account was shared by husband and wife.
"Although (Ms Beguia) had explained that she did not post the comments, she is still accountable to NHCS.
Appropriate disciplinary action has been taken against her," the spokesman said.
"Staff disciplinary matters are confidential and (we) ask that the public respect our process for handling this disciplinary issue, and trust that we have taken the appropriate actions."
Calls and SMSes to Mr Gay's mobile phone yesterday went unanswered.
Some netizens claimed that Mr Gay has made negative online comments about Singaporeans before.
Using the monikers of Xoom and Ramirez, the teacher allegedly made a slew of comments attacking Singaporeans on the website Pinoysg.com, an online portal for Filipino expatriates in Singapore.
For example, he allegedly criticised Singaporeans' "culture of pride" when referring to staring incidents which resulted in killings last year.
He wrote: "This type of incidents never happen in the Philippines except (if they are connected to) more political or important issues."
In 2009, Mr Gay also allegedly wrote about Singaporeans at crime scenes, saying they are known for "standing by and watching crimes happen and doing nothing".
In that same year, he allegedly wrote that he disdained the "values and self-centredness" of Singaporeans, and was looking for a playgroup for his son - then 1½ years old - to mix with Filipino children.
Mr Gay wrote: "I do not like him to mix with other Singaporean children."
His alleged comments have been discussed on Internet forums fuckwarezone and MyCarForum, and on citizen journalism website Stomp.
Most, predictably, were furious.
One wrote: "He's no true blue Singaporean because he posted his embarrassment as a Singaporean on a pinoy forum."
Another wrote: "Living and working here means we respect the people and country, regardless of (its) 'imperfections'." But some were more forgiving.
One netizen wrote: "Whether it's Singaporean or (permanent resident), it's not right to flame or defame others... online."
Another wrote: "Please forgive them as they have already (made) an apology... We are always forgiving and understanding, so just let the matter rest."
This article was first published in The New Paper.
