MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Education on Thursday directed all school heads to immediately remove all campaign posters within and around school premises.
Education Secretary Mona Valisno said the order was in accordance to DepEd Order No. 10, s. 2010 that outlines the “Clean Schools, Clean Elections Campaign” of the government.
At the same time, Assistant Secretary Jonathan Malaya reminded school executives to put the sign: “In compliance with DepEd policy, this school PROHIBITS the posting of campaign materials in school premises. Violators will be PROSECUTED to the fullest extent of the law.”
“We are reminding our division superintendents and school heads to place the signage immediately and to remove all campaign posters, otherwise they will be subject to disciplinary action where applicable,” he said.
Malaya added that monitoring teams will be organized in every region which will report to the nearest DepEd Division or Regional Office of any violations of the said order.
According to Valisno, the order is to ensure and maintain the neutrality and non-partisan stance of schools and the teachers in the upcoming automated elections.
“We need to maintain the integrity and neutrality of our schools and teachers in the coming elections,” said Valisno.
She noted that public schools have been plastered with campaign posters of candidates in anticipation of the automated elections on May 10.
“Since the school is a polling place, no campaign materials must be posted or distributed outside school premises including grounds in front and areas around it such as walls, fences and sidewalks,” the education secretary said.
She also urged incumbent local officials and other concerned citizens to implement and observe the DepEd order.
“We appeal to incumbent local officials, the police and concerned citizens to help us keep our schools free of campaign materials,” she added.
Concerned citizens may report violations to the Office of Under Secretary Franklin Sunga at 633-7205 or call the DepEd Action Center at 636-1663 or send a text message to 0919-456-0027.
Source: Inquirer.net