6 boys in FB ‘kiss photos’ can join graduation rites

MANILA, Philippines—The six high school boys who uploaded on Facebook their photos while simulating a kiss will be allowed to join Friday’s graduation rites but will not be able to get their diplomas yet, a Department of Education (DepEd) official said.

“They can march but the release of their diploma will be delayed,” said Samuel Mergenio, Division Planning Officer of DepEd said Friday.

Mergenio said the parents of the six students of Infant Jesus Academy in Marikina City sought DepEd’s help Thursday morning.

He said he asked the parents to submit a formal letter of complaint but the parents went instead to Radyo Inquirer’s “Isumbong Mo Kay Tulfo” program.

“We told them that we are waiting for the letter,” he said adding that up until now the parents have not yet submitted the letter.

INQUIRER.net published their story Thursday where the boys explained they just faked a kiss, took a photo of it and posted on Facebook.

The photo was not taken inside the school but the students were still wearing their school uniforms then.

The education department talked to officials of Infant Jesus Academy on Thursday evening.

“We took the initiative and talked to the school who allowed the students to march. They will also be recognized as graduates,” Mergenio said.

He said that even without their diplomas, the six boys can enroll in the universities.