DepEd vows accountability, clean hiring, no ‘pay-for-position'
The Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday reaffirmed its zero tolerance policy against "pay-for-position" schemes, condemning all forms of corruption involving appointments, promotions, and designations within the agency.
In a statement, DepEd emphasized that all personnel movements must be based strictly on merit, fitness, and competence, in line with civil service laws and established rules.
'Any act of soliciting, offering, or receiving money, favors, or undue advantage in exchange for an appointment, promotion, or reassignment is a grave offense,' the agency warned, noting that such acts are punishable under Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and may lead to administrative, civil, and criminal penalties.
The department called on educators, staff, and the public to report any such corrupt practices directly to the Office of the Secretary, the DepEd Central Office, or law enforcement agencies such as the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
'The Department guarantees that all complaints will be treated with strict confidentiality,' the statement read, adding that whistleblowers will be protected through appropriate safeguards.
In a separate message, Education Secretary Sonny Angara gave a firm warning against individuals exploiting the system for personal gain.
'Sa ilalim ng aking pamumuno, hindi ko pahihintulutan ang anumang uri ng katiwalian sa loob ng Kagawaran ng Edukasyon, kasama diyan ang mga nababalitang pagbebenta ng posisyon o pagtanggap ng kapalit para sa trabaho, promosyon, o puwesto,' Angara said.
(Under my leadership, I will not tolerate any form of corruption within the Department of Education, including reports of selling positions or receiving favors in exchange for jobs, promotions, or assignments.)
'Hindi makatarungan na may mga gustong paikliin ang proseso kapalit ng pera o impluwensiya, habang dumadaan ang karamihan sa maayos, patas, at legal na paraan. Dapat tayo ay may kakayahan, integridad, at malasakit sa bansa at kabataang Pilipino,' he added.
(It is unjust that some people try to shortcut the process using money or influence, while others go through it fairly and legally. We must be guided by competence, integrity, and compassion for our country and the Filipino youth.)
'Kung may sinumang lalabag, asahan ninyong hindi kami magdadalawang-isip na isuplong sila sa kinakaukulan. Papanagutin sila ng ating batas at papatawan ng nararapat na parusa,' Angara said.
(If anyone violates this, you can be sure we will not hesitate to report them to the authorities. They will be held accountable and punished under the law.)
DepEd urged all its personnel to remain vigilant and uphold the values of integrity and professionalism, stressing: 'Positions in the Department are earned—not bought." — Sherylin Untalan/BM, GMA Integrated News
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