THE DEPARTMENT of Education has ordered an investigation into the planned use of a school in Cagayan for the visit of Vice President Leni Robredo.

The Aksyon Demokratiko party called the attention of Education Secretary Leonor Briones on the possible violation of government policy against using public schools for political activities.

Last week, teachers at the Baybayog National High School in Alcala, Cagayan issued parental consent forms asking parents to allow their children to participate in a welcome activity for Robredo.

In his letter to Briones, Aksyon Demokratiko Chairman Ernest Ramel flagged down the parental consent form.

“I am writing your good office to report a possible violation of government policy against using public schools, specifically elementary and high school students, for political activities of presidential candidates. This has something to do with a ‘Parental Consent’ form issued by the Baybayog National High School located in Alcala, Cagayan province,” Ramel said.

The event was cancelled on March 12 after the issuance of the consent form drew flak on social media.

“We have demanded an apology from the principal. The letters of parental consent have already been withdrawn. The policy is to treat all candidates equally. We are circulating again all our issuances on partisan politics,” Ramel said.

The DepEd earlier warned its teaching and non-teaching personnel against participating in partisan political activities and electioneering.

It noted that the Civil Service Commission and the Commission on Elections prohibit them from “engaging in any electioneering and partisan political activity to ensure civil servants are focused on public service and shield them from the unpredictability of politics.”

Alcala Mayor Tin Antonio said that they were not aware that the school had issued a consent form for Robredo’s visit.

“But it is laudable that our dear Alcala teachers would like to engage their students and their parents in this way,” Antonio said.