Attached is Memorandum OM-OURO 22-0030 with enclosures signed by Atty. Revsee A. Escobedo, Undersecretary, Field Operations, Palarong Pambansa Secretariat, and DEACO, re: Reiteration of DepEd Policies on Electioneering and Partisan Political Activities, the content of which is self-explanatory, for information.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Reiteration of DepEd Policies on Electioneering and Partisan Political Activities
In connection with the upcoming May 9, 2022, National and Local Elections, this Office would like to reiterate the existing policies of the Department of Education in relation to Electioneering and Political Partisan Activities:
On the participation and/ or involvement of DepEd Personnel:
Department of Justice (DOJ) Memorandum Circular No. 003 dated November 17, 2021
DOJ M.C. No. 003 provides for a copy of a Memorandum from Executive Secretary Salvador C. Mediaidea with the subject, “Reminder to Uphold the Principle of Political Neutrality in the Government Service at All Times. ”
The said Memorandum stipulates that “public officials and employees must all the more uphold political neutrality in the government service, maintain professionalism in the discharge of their duties, and guarantee that government programs are administered in a nonpartisan manner.”
DepEd Order No. 048 s. 2018 or the Prohibition on Electioneering and Partisan Political Activity
DO No. 048, s. 2018 emphasized Article IX-B, Section 2(b), paragraph 4 of the 1987 Constitution that states “no officer or employee in the civil service shall engage, directly or indirectly, in any electioneering or partisan political campaign.”
In line with this, all DepEd Officials including third-level officials, teaching and non-teaching personnel, are prohibited from engaging in any electioneering or partisan political activity. Further, the aforementioned officials are prohibited from using their position of authority to influence teaching and/or non-teaching personnel under their supervision or jurisdiction to support any preferred candidate or political party.
On the use of schools for partisan political activities:
DepEd Memorandum No 31, s. 2019
DepEd Memorandum No 31, s. 2019 or the “Activities that Constitute Electioneering and Partisan Political Activity During the Campaign Period in Connection with the May 13, 2019 National and Local Elections”
Section 7 states that “political neutrality shall be observed at all times and everyone is enjoined to make a unified stand that the schools are neutral zones”. Invitations and requests to DepEd officials and employees to participate in consultative assemblies and meetings shall not be allowed. The conduct of such events shall also be prohibited inside public school premises.
On the participation of Learners:
DepEd Order No. 57, s. 2005 or On the Participation of Students in Partisan Political Activities
In this DepEd Order, it is stipulated that “…Academic discussion of current national issues is encouraged as long as it is within the confines of the classroom.” (Section 3). Moreover, it is emphasized therein that partisan political rallies are not the proper means for objectively learning issues as these activities expose the elementary and high school students to unnecessary danger and risk” (Section 4). Lastly, it is thereby stated that school administrators are urged to avoid the participation of elementary and high school students in partisan political activities during class hours so as not to disrupt classes (Section 5).
DepEd Order No. 47, s. 2014 or the Constitution and By-Laws of the Supreme Pupil Government and Supreme Student Government in Elementary and Secondary Schools
The Supreme Student Government (SSG) are not empowered to join in partisan political activities. Included in the duties and responsibilities of the SSGs is the provision of alternative avenues and activities in which students can practice their social and civic duties and responsibilities safely. However, the student-members of the SSGs have the right to participate in such activities as an individual, subject to several reasonable limitations.
DepEd Memorandum No. 55, s. 2021 or the Recommended Programs, Projects, and Activities of the Student Government for School Year 2021-2022
This DepEd Memorandum details the recommended programs and activities that constitute the establishment of learner support systems to facilitate the provision of psychosocial support, health and safety measures, and remediation and enhancement to all types of learners.
The recommended activities include student leadership formation, peer coaching, core values advocacies, and other programs that can safely foster and provide a sense of social responsibility and community among students.
Immediate dissemination of and strict compliance with the aforementioned DepEd issuances is desired.