PASIG CITY, March 5, 2019 – Inviting candidates to graduations is not prohibited per se, but it is highly discouraged this election season because it may be misinterpreted as endorsement of candidate by our principals and teachers.

However, if invitation and/or attendance of a candidate is supported by valid and compelling reason, our officials are warned that this cannot degenerate into an endorsement or solicitation of votes.

The graduation speaker should stick to theme, and not bring campaign materials or paraphernalia. The acts of electioneering and partisan politics are enumerated in earlier issued Department of Education (DepEd) Memorandum, and all officers and employees of DepEd are enjoined to be guided accordingly.

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