February 11, 2010 DO 10, s. 2010 – Clean Schools, Clean Elections

February 11, 2010
DO 10, s. 2010
Clean Schools, Clean Elections
  1. The Department of Education (DepEd) aware of the consequences of too much politics in schools hereby reiterates the “Clean Schools, Clean Elections Program”. This program aims to ensure that our schools and teachers are protected from overt politicking. The program will be in effect for the entire election campaign period until final outcome of the elections at the national and local levels is determined.
  2. The 2010 National Election merits the highest degree of national discipline. In order to minimize and prevent any conflict of interest situations, that can comprise our teachers’ integrity, the following guidelines must be observed:

2.1. Use of school premises for political rallies and other public meetings.

2.1.1. Organizers .of political rallies and public meetings must first secure the necessary permits from the proper local government official pursuant to the requirements of local ordinances on the issuance of permits.
2.1.2. Political rallies and public meetings must NOT be scheduled during school days while classes are on-going.
2.1.3. School heads should remind the organizers of political rallies and public meetings to be held on school premises that said organizers are responsible in making sure that the school surroundings will be cleaned and the campaign materials and propaganda will be removed after the rally or meeting.
2.1.4. Election related preparatory meetings and seminars for teachers and other personnel involved in the conduct of the elections shall be so scheduled to avoid any disruption in classes and held in an appropriate venue within the school.

2.2. Posters and other Campaign Materials

2.2.1. Since the school is a polling place for the elections, no campaign materials (posters, tarpaulins, billboards and the like) shall be allowed to be posted or hung within the school premises including grounds in front of the schools and areas around it (walls, fences, sidewalk, etc.).
2.2.2. The signage below should be prominently posted on school properties: (This can be translated into the local language of the community)

Clean Schools, Clean Elections
In compliance with DepEd policy, this school PROHIBITS the posting of campaign materials in school properties.
Violators will be PROSECUTED to the full extent of the law.

2.2.3. Should the school heads find illegally posted campaign materials within their school premises, the same shall immediately be removed.
2.2.4. To preserve the non-partisan nature of DepEd, school personnel should not be involved in distributing campaign materials particularly within school premises. Distribution of campaign materials by representative of political parties or candidates may be undertaken only outside school premises.
2.2.5. Election materials to be posted or distributed within school premises shall be limited to those specifically authorized under election laws and only for the prescribed periods.
  1. Any other DepEd Memoranda, Orders, Circulars, and other issuances inconsistent herewith are deemed amended or repealed accordingly.
  2. Immediate dissemination of this Order to all levels is ordered.

 

Sgd.
Jesli A. Lapus
Secretary
DO No. 10, s. 2010