DepEd recalls suspension order vs 7 Taguig principals

The Department of Education (DepEd) recalled yesterday the suspension orders against principals of seven Taguig public schools, saying the official who gave them had no authority to do so.

Lawyer Franklin Sunga, DepEd Undersecretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs, said the suspension orders issued by Dr. Evelyn Villoria, Taguig Division officer-in-charge are considered invalid.

The principals were identified as Dr. Eleonor Abisado, of the Taguig National High School;  Guia de la Cruz,  of the Tipas National High School; Noemi Bayle, of the Taguig Science High School; Delfin Hernandez, of the Bagumbayan National High School; and George Tizon, of the Rene Compañero Cayetano Science and Technical High School.

DepEd declined to identify the two other principals since only verbal orders were made.

Sunga said Villoria’s orders were recalled and rescinded since she did not have any basis for suspending the principals.

All of the principals were ordered to go back to work and perform their duties.

Villoria had no power to suspend principals, Sunga said.

Under the Magna Carta for Teachers, a suspension can only be issued by the regional director or the Education secretary. Likewise, a suspension is issued only when there is a formal charge against a teacher, Sunga pointed out.

No reason had been given by Villoria in the suspension orders against the principals, he added.

DepEd officials tried to seek an explanation, but they could not get in touch with Villoria at the time the orders were issued.

Sunga said the department has appointed Dr. Amancio Villamejor as Taguig Division superintendent with Villoria staying as Taguig assistant division chief.

Villamejor was formerly Caloocan assistant division superintendent.

Classes at the Taguig National High School were suspended earlier after 100 teachers, students and parents had staged a rally calling for the ouster of Abisado, whom they accused of corruption.

Abisado had been informed of her reassignment to another school, but insisted on staying at her post.

Abisado said the allegations against her were baseless and politically motivated.