THE DEPARTMENT of Education has confirmed it is investigating the spread of false information online claiming that a Grade 13 is being proposed in the Philippine basic education system.

During a hearing of the House Committee on Basic Education, Pasig City Representative Roman Romulo raised concerns over the misinformation circulating on YouTube and other social media platforms.

Romulo asked DepEd officials what concrete steps are being taken beyond issuing public statements.

He stressed that the disinformation caused unnecessary panic among students and parents, and called for accountability. He also urged the department to identify and take legal action against those responsible for spreading the false claims.

DepEd Assistant Secretary Janir Dakutan assured lawmakers that the department is actively tracing the source of the fake news and working to curb its spread.

“There is absolutely no proposal for a Grade 13 under the Department of Education,” Dakutan clarified.

“Currently, our senior high school curriculum includes only Grades 11 and 12,” he added.

DepEd reiterated its commitment to transparency and urged the public to rely only on official channels for accurate information on education policies.