Malacañang confirmed Friday that the school principal involved in the viral toga controversy in Antique has been removed from her post.
"Because of the President's directive, our DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara acted immediately. The said teacher has been removed from her position as principal," said Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Assistant Secretary Atty. Claire Castro in Filipino during a press briefing.
The incident, which occurred on 15 April at Col. Ruperto Abellon National School in Laua-an, Antique, sparked public backlash after a video went viral showing senior high school students being instructed to remove their togas before receiving their diplomas.
The school reportedly required graduates to wear their school uniforms and a sablay (a traditional sash), citing it as the prescribed attire for the ceremony.
Despite the principal’s removal from her administrative post, she is still permitted to teach in other public schools, pending further review.
"She was only removed from being principal. Her license is not something that can be taken away by order of the President or the DepEd Secretary," Castro clarified in Filipino.
Castro also noted that the principal will still be allowed to teach at another public school, and her behavior will be evaluated.
She added that the DepEd will ensure that any cases related to the principal’s conduct will be thoroughly reviewed.