THE DEPARTMENT of Education issued a statement to correct the wrong information disseminated to the public by ACT Teachers regarding DepEd’s Automatic Payroll Deduction System (APDS).

The department said the allegation about the memorandum intended to profile members of ACT Union as part of a supposed government anti-insurgency campaign “is patently absurd, distorted, and followed no logic.”

“The request was publicly available, and proves that it did not intend to target members of the union as alleged by ACT,” the DepEd said.

It added the sole purpose of consolidating the list of APDS availees, from various organizations in the regions, is to centralize, connect, update, and improve its Human Resource Systems, including the APDS.

“This is especially relevant amidst the regular complaints from employees over inaccurate, questionable, and unwarranted salary deductions for loan remittances and membership dues,” it said.

“It is well-within its authority and even incumbent upon DepEd to look into the complaints made by its employees and to ensure that their welfare and rights are protected,” the agency added.

DepEd emphasized it is committed to delivering better services for its employees and partner organizations.

“While a memorandum sought the list of ACT Union members, separate requests were also made for the list of members of other unions, organizations, and associations of teaching and non-teaching personnel availing of the APDS,” the DepEd said.

“There is simply no effort or intention to purposely target members of ACT Union,” it added.