A group of teachers on Tuesday, July 1, called on the Department of Education (DepEd) to launch an investigation into reports of an alleged “item-for-sale” scheme in public schools, where teaching positions are reportedly being sold to applicants in exchange for cash.

“This is a matter of justice and fairness,” said Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) National Chairperson Benjo Basas. “Positions in government should be earned through merit and competence, not purchased,” he added.

The allegations have sparked outrage and raised concerns over corruption and the integrity of the teacher hiring process.

“Just imagine the kind of system we are building if those who manage it are willing to sell positions, and those tasked with educating our children simply bought their way in,” Basas said. “Corruption has no place in our education system,” he added.

Meanwhile, TDC welcomed the strong anti-corruption pronouncements of DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara, particularly on issues involving appointments, promotions, and designations within the department.

The group underscored the pressing need for DepEd leaders to act more decisively, given the continuing reports of a pay-for-position scheme plaguing public schools.

READ: 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/06/26/positions-are-earned-not-bought-deped-cracks-down-on-pay-for-position-schemes

Basas, who is also a Caloocan City teacher, said the group has “received similar information in the past,” with allegations that certain individuals are “asked to pay money” in exchange for promotion or plantilla teaching or administrative positions.

“These are not new to us,” Basas said. “Over the years, we have received reports of this nature, but most of our sources refuse to be identified — even those they are implicating — because of fear of retaliation or career repercussions,” he added.

While TDC commended Angara’s firm stance against corruption — calling it a step in the right direction — Basas stressed that relying “solely on voluntary reports may not be sufficient.”

“We appreciate Secretary Angara's commitment to integrity and professionalism in DepEd, but we strongly urge his office to initiate its own investigation,” Basas said. “These practices won’t stop unless there is a clear signal that the agency is serious about rooting them out, even without formal complaints,” he added.

Basas also pointed out that a “culture of fear” and silence persists among rank-and-file employees, making it difficult for victims to come forward.

“Trust in the system must be rebuilt,” Basas said. “If DepEd wants people to speak up, it must show that it is willing to act decisively — even on anonymous or unofficial information — and that no one will be spared, not even those who hold power in the field,” he added.

Related to this, TDC reaffirmed its zero tolerance for pay-for-position schemes and vowed to cooperate with the DepEd and other agencies to “expose and address corruption in the system.”

Basas said the TDC continues to push for a more credible and stringent hiring and promotion system in DepEd — one that upholds merit and ensures only the best candidates are selected.