📷: Venus Divinia Nietes (Bombo Radyo Iloilo)
The Department of Education has removed a public school principal in Antique from her post after she allegedly forced a student to remove her graduation toga, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said on Friday, April 25.
Acting on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive, Castro confirmed in a press briefing that Education Secretary Sonny Angara swiftly ordered the removal of the said principal.
“Tinanggal na po bilang principal sa nasabing eskuwelahan,” Castro said. “Ito po ay mabilisan na aksiyon na ginawa po ni Secretary Angara.”
But the move stops short of full accountability. The teacher retains her professional license and remains eligible to teach in public schools—a loophole that leaves open the possibility of continued classroom access despite the incident.
“Allowed pa rin po siya,” Castro admitted when asked if the teacher could still be reassigned elsewhere.
“Kailangan po iyan, importante po iyan lalo na po’t siya ay isang guro,” she added, referring to the need to monitor the teacher’s behavior.
The Palace did not confirm whether further disciplinary or legal action is underway. Castro only said, “Kukunin muna natin kung ano ba ang dapat na gawin pa ni Secretary Angara,” implying a wait-and-see approach on whether the educator will face any actual sanctions beyond demotion.
The Department of Education previously clarified that there is no existing policy banning the use of togas during graduation ceremonies.
“DepEd policy does not prohibit the wearing of togas. There is no prohibition under DepEd Memorandum No. 27, s. 2025 and under DepEd Order No. 009, s. 2023, the prescribed attire for graduation and moving-up ceremonies includes casual or formal wear or the school uniform,” DepEd said in a statement.
“The toga or sablay may be worn as an optional supplementary garment,” it added.
Meanwhile, the Schools Division Office of Antique said it has formed an investigation team and directed the school principal and other involved officials to submit an incident report along with a suitable intervention plan. (TCSP)
