MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang confirmed Friday that the principal who ordered students to remove their togas during a graduation ceremony in Antique has been relieved of her post.
“She has been removed as the principal of the school,” said Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro in a media briefing.
Castro clarified that while she was removed from her position, her teaching license remains unaffected. “Her license is not subject to the orders of the President or the DepEd Secretary,” she added.
The Department of Education (DepEd) had earlier reiterated that there is no official policy banning the use of togas during graduation ceremonies.
“There is no prohibition under DepEd Memorandum No. 27, s. 2025 or DepEd Order No. 009, s. 2023,” DepEd stated. “The prescribed attire includes casual or formal wear or the school uniform.”
DepEd also emphasized that the toga or sablay may be worn optionally as supplementary graduation attire.
The Schools Division Office of Antique has formed an investigation team to look into the incident. They have required the school head and other officials involved to submit detailed incident reports and an intervention plan.
The incident drew public attention after students were reportedly instructed to remove their togas moments before the graduation rites began.