To:   Bureau Directors
Regional Directors
Schools Superintendents
Presidents, State Colleges and Universities
Heads of Private Schools, Colleges and Universities

1.   Department Order No. 61, s. 1975 and MECS Orders No. 48, s. 1986 set the policies and guidelines on the issuance of special orders for graduation.

2.   It has come to the attention of this office, however, that graduates find it difficult (a) to apply for board/bar examinations, or (b) to seek immediate employment, or (c) to pursue graduates and/or second degree programs due to unreasonable delay in issuances of special orders for graduation.

3.   To solve this problem, in additions to the policies and guidelines in the aforementioned Orders, the following schedule should be strictly observed by schools and the DECS regional offices in the issuance of special orders:

4.   In violation of the above guidelines. A fine of P1, 000.00 per day of delay, but not exceeding P10, 000.00 shall be imposed against the responsible officials of any school, college or university without prejudice to any civil action for damages which may be filed in court by the affected graduates. Three successive violations of the guidelines shall result in the revocation of authority to operate courses.

5.   The penalties provided for in Section 1, Rule XI, Republic Act No. 6713, otherwise known as the “Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees” shall violating any of the provisions of this Order.

6.   A year-end report on violations mentioned in paragraph hereof shall be submitted to the Bureau concerned not later than thirty (30) days after the lapse of the period herein allowed for filling applications.

7.   This Order shall take effect immediately.

References:   Department Order: (No. 61, s. 1975)

Allotment:   1-2-3-4- – (M.O. 1-87)

To be indicated in the Perpetual Index

          under the following subjects:

GRADUATES

OFFICIALS

POLICY

REPORT

RULES AND REGULATIONS

STUDENTS