- DepEd warns political candidates that graduation ceremonies should not be seen as opportunities for campaigns
- Secretary Luistro says that schools should maintain their “neutrality and non–partisanship“
- The cabinet official calls on school administrators to avoid inviting politicians during the ceremony
The Department of Education (DepEd) has warned candidates who are running for a government seat in the upcoming local and national elections that graduation ceremonies should not be seen as opportunities for campaigning about their political agenda.
In an article written by Jee Geronimo for Rappler, it was disclosed that Education Secretary Armin Luistro has called on all schools to maintain their “neutrality and non-partisanship” by trying not to invite politicians during commencement exercises.
“The end of school year 2015-2016 rites should be an appropriate and solemn ceremony befitting the learners and their parents and shall not be used as a political forum,” the cabinet secretary said.
Last month, the DepEd has also reminded school administrators that the use of schools in political rallies is strictly prohibited and that politicians are not authorized to force teachers to join campaign sorties.
“We would just like to remind those who are campaigning as well as the administrators of schools that it is imprudent to organize political rallies and sorties in their campuses especially those which do not necessarily allow our students and teachers to exercise critical thinking and discernment,” Luistro said.
However, the agency executive has clarified that political events that are not considered as campaigns in nature are allowed to be held in academic institutions; provided that different parties and candidates will be given equal opportunity to expose their platforms.
Due to this, activities such as election-related debates and fora such as the one organized by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in partnership with GMA Network and Philippine Daily Inquirer at the Capitol University in Mindanao on February 21 is allowed.
“If there are any such gatherings organized, it is best to ensure that all political sides are heard so the audience can make their own judgment and decision,” Luistro added.
According to a DepEd memorandum, graduation ceremonies in public schools all throughout the country should be held on or before April 1, which is barely a month before the actual date of elections.
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