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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Positions are earned, not bought: DepEd cracks down on 'pay-for-position' schemes

Positions are earned, not bought: DepEd cracks down on 'pay-for-position' schemes

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara reaffirms zero tolerance for corruption

Published Jun 26, 2025 11:58 pm
DepEd / MB Visual Content Group
DepEd / MB Visual Content Group
The Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday, June 26, announced that it is intensifying its crackdown on “pay-for-position” schemes, warning that appointments and promotions within the agency must be strictly based on merit and competence.
In a statement, DepEd emphasized its zero-tolerance policy on corruption and reiterated that no teaching or administrative post should be bought or sold, as it seeks to uphold integrity and fairness in the public education system.
Zero-tolerance policy
DepEd reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on all forms of corruption related to appointments, promotions, and designations within the agency, warning the public and its personnel against “pay-for-position” schemes.
In a strongly worded statement, DepEd stressed that all personnel movements must be strictly based on merit, fitness, and competence, as prescribed by civil service laws and established procedures.
“Positions in the Department are earned—not bought,” DepEd said. “We will not allow corruption to undermine the future of Philippine education,” it added.
Acts punishable by law
DepEd warned that soliciting, offering, or accepting money or favors in exchange for appointments or promotions is a grave offense under Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Violators face administrative, civil, and criminal penalties.
The agency also urged anyone who has been victimized or approached with such offers to report the incident directly to the DepEd Central Office or to law enforcement agencies such as the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) or the Philippine National Police (PNP).
DepEd assured the public that all reports would be treated with strict confidentiality and that safeguards are in place to protect whistleblowers from retaliation.
No shortcuts, no corruption
Education Secretary Sonny Angara also issued a stern warning to those attempting to exploit the system.
“Sa ilalim ng aking pamumuno, hindi ko pahihintulutan ang anumang uri ng katiwalian sa loob ng Kagawaran ng Edukasyon, kasama diyan ang mga nababalitang pagbebenta ng posisyon o pagtanggap ng kapalit para sa trabaho, promosyon, o pwesto (Under my leadership, I will not tolerate any form of corruption within the Department of Education, including the reported sale of positions or the acceptance of favors in exchange for jobs, promotions, or appointments),” Angara said.
The DepEd chief emphasized that those seeking positions in the agency must possess capability, integrity, and a genuine commitment to serve the Filipino youth.
“Hindi makatarungan na may gustong paikliin ang proseso kapalit ng pera o impluwensiya, habang dumadaan ang karamihan sa maayos, patas, at legal na paraan (It is unjust for anyone to try to shortcut the process in exchange for money or influence, while the majority go through the proper, fair, and legal channels),” he added.
“Dapat tayo ay may kakayahan, integridad, at malasakit sa bansa at Kabataang Pilipino (We must embody competence, integrity, and a genuine commitment to our nation and the Filipino youth),” Angara said.
How to report corruption
DepEd encourages victims or witnesses of pay-for-position schemes to report immediately through the following hotlines: DepEd Office of the Secretary – (02) 8687-2922; NBI – (02) 8523-8231 to 38; and PNP – 911.
The Department affirmed its strong commitment to uphold integrity, professionalism, and fairness, and called on the public to help safeguard the future of education in the country.
“Kung sinumang lalabag, asahan ninyong hindi kami magdadalawang-isip na isuplong sila sa kinauukulan. Papanagutin sila sa ating batas at papatawan ng nararapat na parusa (Anyone who violates this policy should expect that we will not hesitate to report them to the proper authorities. They will be held accountable under our laws and face the appropriate consequences),” Angara said.

Related Tags

DepEd pay-for-position DepEd corruption policy DepEd zero tolerance corruption Sonny Angara DepEd statement Anti-Graft in education
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