Manila, June 29 -- Malacanang on Monday expressed support for efforts to limit cellphone use in schools to improve student performance but raised questions about the reasonableness of penalties imposed under a local government policy banning mobile phones in public schools.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the administration recognizes the intent behind the policy implemented by the Municipality of Dumanjug in Cebu, which imposed a total cellphone ban in public schools beginning June 29.

"Maganda naman po yung kanyang layunin para po mas magkaroon ng concentration ang mga bata sa kanilang pag-aaral (The objective is good because it aims to help students concentrate more on their studies)," Castro said in a Palace briefing.

Howe...