Graduation rites reminders issued

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CEBU CITY — As public schools prepare for year-end rites, the Department of Education in Central Visayas (DepEd 7) has reminded teachers and non-teaching staff to stay politically neutral and conduct themselves with professionalism during the ceremonies.

Department of Education (DepEd)

DepEd 7 chief administrative officer Ida Cabantan emphasized that school personnel must remain impartial, especially during graduation events where politicians are often invited as guests.

"Teachers have to show that they are government personnel, and we need to uphold our integrity by being non-partisan," said Cabantan.

DepEd 7 plans to issue a memorandum reiterating the agency's stand on political neutrality, particularly for personnel involved in both the closing rites and the upcoming elections.

Cabantan said the regional director has continuously reminded public school workers to avoid engaging in partisan acts, whether onstage or online.

The agency also raised concern over teachers being called out on Facebook for allegedly spreading misinformation or showing partisan leanings in their posts.

"Some teachers have already been tagged on Facebook for sharing fake news," Cabantan said. "We have mechanisms in place to address these incidents, and if complaints are filed, we will follow due process."

Cabantan said school division superintendents have been instructed to remind all personnel to exercise caution on social media. Meetings and orientations will also be held to guide teachers on what content is acceptable to post without crossing into partisan behavior.

While she acknowledged that teachers have the right to express their opinions, Cabantan stressed the need for discipline and neutrality, especially when posting political sentiments publicly.

"We need to uphold our integrity being public servants, especially us in DepEd," she said.

Cabantan also urged teachers to be mindful of their actions, noting that any form of political distraction could affect students' focus and overall learning environment.

This reminder echoes an earlier statement from the Civil Service Commission Regional Office 7 (CSC 7), which warned all government workers against engaging in partisan activities.

"We are career employees. Regardless of the political landscape, color, or temperature, we must refrain from campaigning for or against any political party or individual," CSC 7 public information officer Prolaine Daclan said.

The CSC cited several legal bases for political neutrality, including Republic Act 6713 and Joint Circular 1, series of 2016, issued with the Commission on Elections.

These prohibit government workers from attending rallies, promoting candidates, or expressing partisan views, even on personal social media accounts.

The reminder comes amid growing political tension following the recent arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte, which has caused an intensified online discourse and political polarization.