Malacañang on Friday announced that the school principal in Antique, who faced public backlash after a viral video showed her ordering students to remove their graduation togas, has been removed from her position.
"Dahil na rin po sa naging direktiba po ng Pangulo, agaran pong kumilos ang ating DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara, at ang sinasabi pong guro ay tinanggal na po bilang principal sa nasabing eskwelahan," Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said in a press briefing.
Castro, however, clarified that the dismissed principal’s license remains valid and cannot be revoked, as it was not issued upon the order of the President or the DepEd Secretary.
Furthermore, she is still allowed to teach in other public schools, although her behavior will be closely monitored, as this holds weight in light of her role as an educator.
"Allowed pa rin po siya [magturo sa ibang public schools] at syempre titingnan pa rin po kung ano ba ang klase ang kanyang behavior, importante po ‘yan lalo na at siya ay isang guro," said Castro.
The Department of Education (DepEd) earlier pointed out that there is no existing policy that forbids the use of togas during graduation ceremonies.
Under DepEd Order No. 009, s. 2023, as reiterated in DepEd Memorandum No. 027, s. 2025, the prescribed attire for graduation and moving-up ceremonies includes casual or formal wear, or the school uniform.
The toga or sablay may be worn as an optional supplementary garment.
"These guidelines were adopted to encourage simplicity, promote inclusivity, and ease the financial burden on families. However, such policies must be interpreted and implemented with discernment and never result in any learner’s exclusion, embarrassment, or marginalization," the statement read.
