Duterte thanks Comelec for not filing raps vs teachers who backed out of BSKE

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) on Saturday expressed its appreciation for the Commission on Elections (Comelec)’s decision not to file criminal charges against teachers who backed out from their electoral board duties.

On Friday, Comelec chair George Garcia clarified that the poll commission has no plans of charging the teachers who withdrew from their duties at the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) on October 30.

“DepEd would like to thank the Commission for recognizing the various threats that confronted them during this time,” the department’s Secretary Vice President Sara Duterte said in a statement.

The DepEd also said that it stands with the Comelec in its determination to file charges against those who “intimidated, harassed, and threatened” their teachers.

“Such acts of violence and coercion not only jeopardized the safety and security of our educators but also undermined their dedication to service,” Duterte said.

“The perpetrators must be held accountable,” she added.

In the same statement, Duterte further took the opportunity to thank public school teachers for their service during the recent election.

“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,” Duterte said.

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