DepEd''s program severs educators from politicians

The Department of Education had enforced its "Clean Schools, Clean Elections Program" that would separate the schools and teachers from the inroads of candidates and politics.

The program is carried out throughout the entire campaign period until the final results of the May 14 elections, both in the national and local levels, are out.

DepEd Undersectary Franklin Sunga said the election merits the highest degree of national discipline prompting the implementation of the program to prevent any conflict of interest that may compromise the teachers'' integrity.

Sunga issued certain guidelines for the matter, which provides that political rallies and public meetings must not be scheduled during school days or while there are classes being held.

Organizers of political rallies and public meetings must first secure permits from local government officials in compliance with the local requirements in the issuance of such documents.

School heads must remind organizers of political rallies and public meetings that they must make sure that the school surroundings are cleaned and the campaign materials are removed soon after the event.

Sunga said school heads who also find illegaly posted campaign materials within the school premises must ask the Comelec officer for the removal of these materials.

Sunga further said that election materials may be distributed within school premises except on the dates before and during Election Day, for as long as classes are not disrupted. - Jasmin R. Uy/RAE