CAGAYAN, Philippines — February 4, 2026 — Adelino Pacris, principal of Sanchez Mira Central Elementary School, has publicly addressed allegations that he attempted to personally benefit from a ₱555,000 donation made by Filipino-American social media personality Bretman Rock. 

In a lengthy Facebook post, Pacris denied accusations that he intended to “pocket” the funds, stressing that the money was never meant for his personal use.

“This is to address the issue being raised against me for supposedly having the intention to ‘pocket’ a donation generously given by one of the former pupils of our school, Sanchez Mira Central Elementary School in the total amount of Php 555,000,” Pacris wrote. 

He explained that when he first learned of the donation, it was communicated through a team acting on Bretman Rock’s behalf, which raised concerns about a possible scam.

“With all due respect and humility, I never had any inkling of intention to ‘pocket’ this huge amount remitted to my account,” he added. Pacris said he sought legal advice before signing a “Release and Agreement” document related to the donation, admitting it took him more than a week to fully understand its provisions. He also sought confirmation from a faculty member connected to Bretman Rock’s family to verify the legitimacy of the donation.

“It took weeks before they confirmed that the donation was indeed true and informed us that the money had been sent to my account,” Pacris said. While acknowledging that the funds were deposited into his personal account, he denied concealing the matter. “The money was remitted to my account, that’s true. But it is not true that I chose not to publicly disclose its existence,” he clarified.

Pacris explained that faculty members were informed but advised not to disclose the donation until plans for a school project were finalized. He said the school initially coordinated with the Engineering Office of the LGU Sanchez Mira for a proposed classroom project, but plans later changed. “Thereafter, the total amount of Php 555,000 was withdrawn from my account and I turned over said money to the Treasurer of the PTA. I have proof to support my claims,” he stated.

The principal emphasized that the donation was ultimately used for a project that has already been implemented. “Lastly, the agreed project was then implemented well and the school is already enjoying the best ever project first in the district,” he said.

Pacris admitted that the controversy has deeply affected his reputation and family. “I want to clear my name as it has affected not only me and my reputation but most importantly my children and my wife. Again, my conscience is clean. The money was never mine to begin with,” he stressed.

He ended his statement by appealing to the public to stop spreading false information. “With this, I sincerely hope and request everyone to stop spreading false information. And I pray that God will help me and my family overcome this trial as it has gotten out of control,” Pacris said.

The Department of Education has yet to issue a formal statement on the matter, but the controversy has sparked wider discussions online about transparency and accountability in handling donations to public schools.

Transparency Is the Real Currency of Public Schools

Public schools depend on trust as much as funding. Donations may come from goodwill, but once money enters the system, the standard shifts from gratitude to accountability and clear documentation.

This controversy shows how even legitimate intent can be overshadowed by weak processes. When funds pass through personal accounts or remain undisclosed until later, the timeline becomes the issue, not just the outcome, and suspicion fills the gaps left by informal handling.

If public confidence is so easily shaken, why are audit-ready systems still treated as optional in school donations?