MANILA, Philippines -- Militant students and teachers on Thursday lashed back at Education Secretary Jesli A. Lapus for asking anti-government groups not to bring their war against the corruption-tainted National Broadband Network deal to public school campuses.

In separate statements, they asked Lapus to “respect academic freedom and freedom of expression in schools.”

They also urged public and private schools nationwide to make “truth, justice and change” the theme of their graduation rites this year.

According to the 15,000-strong Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), “it’s Secretary Lapus who is politicizing graduation rites with statements that are clearly meant to curry favor with the President.”

"In case he hasn’t noticed, the students and youth have been the most enthusiastic supporters of (whistle-blower Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr.),” said ACT chair Antonio Tinio.

"Jun Lozada happens to be an inspiring speaker, certainly better than the usual crop of local officials and assorted politicos who impose themselves on graduation exercises. And what if the valedictorian wants to make a speech about the search for truth and accountability in government? Will this be disallowed by Lapus?” said Tinio.

In a text message to the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Salvador Panelo, counsel of former Commission on Elections Chair Benjamin Abalos, claimed “Lapus’ order barring public schools from holding political events is unconstitutional.”

He also said “the State under the Constitution is likewise duty bound to encourage the involvement of the youth in public and civic affairs. Moreover, the prohibition is a violation of schools and the students’ right to academic freedom.”

Anakbayan leader Sarah Katrina Maramag, meanwhile, said that Lapus was "probably just bittter because the NBN-ZTE mess exposed and severely affected the likewise anomalous cyber education project of the Arroyo administration."

The other day, Lapus also appealed to anti-government groups to keep away from students.

Lapus said the Department of Education bars public elementary and secondary schools from holding political events on their campuses.

"We will not allow political exercises in schools, like if they are calling for the downfall of an administration," he said.

Lapus said teachers were allowed to join mass actions but they should do so after school hours to avoid disrupting their classes.

Commission on Higher Education Chair Romulo Neri, meanwhile, said he had nothing against teachers participating in mass protests.

"This is a free country," Neri told the Inquirer.