DepEd clarifies order to cut social media ties with students doesn’t violate right to free speech

On Monday, Nov. 7, the Department of Education (DepEd) refutes claims that the Department Order (DO) 49 it recently released prohibiting social media communications between teachers and learners violates the right to free speech.

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According to DepEd spokesperson Atty. Michael Poa, the order which is a set of policies to promote professionalism in the delivery of basic education programs, is only a reiteration of the Code to Conduct for civil servants, which includes public school teachers.

DO 49 seeks to, number one, depoliticize ‘yung DepEd, number two…seeks to promote professionalism within our ranks,

Poa explained noting that the order applies to both DepEd personnel and teachers.

Sa aming pananaw, there is no infringement of any basic rights such as freedom of expression, freedom of speech, specifically with telling them not to go to politicians para po maiparating ‘yung kanilang concerns,

he further said.

He was referring to one of the DO policies that advise employees to refrain from requesting or obtaining support or endorsement from any third party in the hiring, transfer, promotion, removal, or any other personnel movement.

They should also raise issues and concerns regarding basic education via formal and appropriate DepEd channels, either directly to the Office of the Secretary or through the concerned Assistant Secretary or Undersecretary, without resorting to any political or third-party intervention or accommodation,

he added.

Poa also clarified that the use of social media for communication purposes is not considered “outside of school setting” if what is being communicated with is related to classes or the school.

Ano ba ang gusto nating madiscourage dito? ‘Yung nagiging very personal na ‘yung relationship between the teacher and the learner. I don't think that's unnatural…because there has to be a line, that’s why we’re promoting professionalism,

he said.

He said that DepEd is not discouraging the use of social media for classroom instruction emphasizing the phrase ‘outside of school setting.’