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November 4, 2023 – The Department of Education (DepEd) welcomes the recent statement of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) that it will no longer pursue filing criminal charges against teachers for backing out of their Electoral Board duties during the 2023 Barangay and SK Elections (BSKE).

DepEd would like to thank the Commission for recognizing the various threats that confronted them during this time.

We also stand with COMELEC in its resolve to file charges against those who intimidated, harassed, and threatened our teachers. Such acts of violence and coercion not only jeopardized the safety and security of our educators, but also undermined their dedication to service. The perpetrators must be held accountable.

Once again, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to our public school teachers for their valiant service and significant contribution to the orderly conduct of the BSKE.

Thank you.

SARA Z. DUTERTE
Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines
Secretary of the Department of Education