DepEd denies ‘profiling’ of ACT members

MANILA, Philippines — While it confirmed requesting for a list of members of various unions, the Department of Education (DepEd) yesterday said this is not a form of “profiling” for the government’s anti-insurgency campaign.

In a statement, the DepEd said the purpose of the request was to “centralize, connect, update and improve” the agency’s human resource systems, particularly its automatic payroll deduction system (APDS). 

“This is especially relevant amidst the regular complaints from employees over inaccurate, questionable and unwarranted salary deductions for loan remittances and membership dues,” the agency said.

“It is well within its authority, and even incumbent upon DepEd, to look into the complaints made by its employees and to ensure that their welfare and rights are protected. The Department wishes to emphasize that it is committed to delivering better services for our employees and partner organizations,” it added.

The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) earlier expressed concern over a memorandum from the DepEd central office requesting for a list of members availing of the APDS.

“DepEd’s profiling operations against ACT and their members are highly alarming and a clear violation of their basic rights. The disclosure and processing of their personal information and sensitive personal information, without lawful reason and their consent, is a direct attack on their privacy and security,” said Act Teachers Party-List Rep. France Castro, who led the filing of a House resolution seeking to investigate the matter.

Education Secretary Sara Duterte, who is also co-vice chair of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, earlier accused ACT of having links with communist groups.

The teachers’ group also filed a red-tagging complaint against Duterte before the International Labor Organization over her statements.

Explaining the reason for the directive, DepEd spokesman Michael Poa said unions and organizations are collecting membership dues through APDS, which is the facility used for salary deductions.

He said the agency’s human resources department is looking to connect not just the APDS but all human resource systems in all DepEd offices.