By Lilian Mellejor/PNA
DAVAO CITY – The Department of Education-Region 11 (DepEd-11)-brushed aside allegations of the Association of Concerned Teachers (ACT) that it has banned the group’s members from performing election duties.
“I can categorically say that DepEd did not issue declaring them as ineligible to the BEI. Their accusation is based on allegations with no solid evidence,” said Jenielito Atillo, DepEd-11 spokesperson, during the AFP-PNP press briefing on Wednesday here.
“We don’t have an issue with them when it comes to working inside the classroom. We respect their freedom of expression,” Atillo added.
Still, Atillo said ACT and DepEd-11 officials continue to maintain a good relationship.
Atillo argued that DepEd officials have no authority to declare any teachers’ group as ineligible to serve in the May 2019 elections. Only the Commission on Elections, he pointed out, has the power to constitute and appoint electoral boards.
Atillo said DepEd merely records names of teachers who are willing to participate or serve in the election.
An earlier statement released by Undersecretary Nepomuceno Malaluan described ACT’s accusation as malicious.
“Their allegations are not validated. It is based on reported and purported acts,” Malaluan said.
Malaluan also advised ACT to come forward with specific and validated incidents when alleged DepEd local officials prohibited election services for their members.
DepEd has earlier asked ACT to clarify whether its members are members of the ACT Teachers Party-list, noting that current laws forbid “political parties, organizations or coalitions registered under the Party-list system” from being represented in the voter’s registration boards, boards of election inspectors, boards of canvassers, or other similar bodies.
