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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider What happened to the principal in the viral Antique graduation incident?

What happened to the principal in the viral Antique graduation incident?

DepEd provides updates on the principal's status following the viral toga controversy

Published Apr 29, 2025 03:56 pm

Two weeks after the controversial graduation ceremony in Antique, the Department of Education (DepEd) confirmed that the principal involved in the viral video had been reassigned following her removal from the position.

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DepEd confirmed that the principal in Antique who was involved in the viral video had been reassigned after being removed from her position. (MARK BALMORES / MANILA BULLETIN / file)

“Kinukumpirma ng DepEd na inalis sa kanyang mga tungkulin sa paaralan ang punong guro na iniuugnay sa insidente sa isang graduation ceremony sa Antique (The DepEd confirms that the principal involved in the incident during a graduation ceremony in Antique has been removed from her duties at the school),” the department said in an official statement.

“Pansamantala siyang inilipat sa Schools Division Office (SDO) habang isinasagawa ang masusing imbestigasyon at pinaiiral ang due process (She has been temporarily transferred to the SDO while a thorough investigation is conducted, and due process is observed),” DepEd added.

Removal from post

The principal of Col. Ruperto Abellon National School in Laua-an, Antique, was removed from her position following a controversial graduation incident on April 15 that sparked outrage across the community.

What was meant to be a joyous occasion turned into a painful spectacle when the principal ordered students to remove their togas during the ceremony, citing a supposed dress code violation. The incident, captured in a viral video, left parents, students, and educators questioning her decisions.

DepEd later clarified that wearing togas is not prohibited, prompting swift action against the principal, who has been reassigned pending further investigation.

READ: 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/4/18/viral-antique-graduation-incident

Swift action

Following a directive from President Marcos, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara acted promptly.

The principal was relieved of her duties and temporarily reassigned to the SDO while a thorough investigation continues, ensuring due process is observed.

“Patuloy ang imbestigasyon ng DepEd para sa resolusyon ng reklamo sa principal (DepEd’s investigation is ongoing to resolve the complaint against the principal),” DepEd said.

DepEd noted that the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) approved the reassignment, confirming that it will not affect ongoing election-related activities in the region.

To maintain school operations, the Assistant Regional Director of DepEd Region 6 has been designated as the officer-in-charge of the school during the interim.

DepEd emphasized its commitment to resolving the issue with fairness and integrity, assuring the public that the investigation is ongoing and any findings will be addressed accordingly.

The swift response followed viral social media posts that drew public attention to the incident, prompting immediate action from the highest levels of government.

RELATED STORY: 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/4/25/antique-graduation-controversy--principal-s-removal

Related Tags

Antique graduation controversy DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara DEPED graduation ceremony President Marcos
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