Ateneo professor slams paid app that lets students rate teachers

“So, you students want to share information about us profs, without our knowledge and permission, and without us even knowing who you guys are – and for a fee? Seriously?” she wrote on Facebook.

The platform advertises subscription packages ranging from ₱99 for a semester pass to ₱250 for access until graduation.

Privacy versus student choice

Abao acknowledged that some information about professors is publicly accessible but argued that making it commercially available raises ethical questions.

“Sure, that’s data available to the public — but that’s for the classroom type of public, not for the ‘market’,” she wrote.

She also questioned whether grading statistics encourage students to choose professors based on easy grades rather than teaching quality.

“What’s your suggested criteria for choosing a prof – an easy A?” she asked.

Professor-rating platforms are not new in the Philippines. Students from Ateneo, UP, La Salle, and other universities have long exchanged reviews to help them choose classes.

However, charging for access to such information raises questions about privacy, consent, accuracy, and reputational harm.

App reportedly taken down

In an update, Abao said a reliable source informed her that the app and promotional tarpaulin had been removed, while Ateneo’s School of Management was discussing the matter.

The reported removal has not been independently confirmed.

The controversy highlights a growing debate over students’ right to evaluate educators and professors’ right to protect their professional reputations.

Abao ended her post with a pointed reminder:

“Gamitin nyo naman ang talino nyo sa kabutihan.”