By JEN BAYLON

The Department of Education (DepEd) has committed to providing legal assistance to a public school teacher from Magallon Cadre Elementary School in Negros Occidental’s Moises Padilla town, who was facing a complaint before the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Ian Arnold Arnaez, Negros Occidental Schools Division spokesperson, emphasized that the complaint against the teaching personnel over alleged partisan activity cannot be judged solely on the documents presented and requires a thorough investigation.

“However, sometimes teachers are misinterpreted by politicians despite having no ill intentions, which is why we urge them to err on the side of caution,” Arnaez said.

He explained that during election periods, DepEd forms an Election Task Force to monitor schools where elections are held and assist teachers serving as election workers, including providing legal support if needed.

Arnaez clarified that the complaint was filed with Comelec and DepEd was only informed to extend assistance to the personnel involved.

He also stressed that DepEd consistently reminds teachers to avoid showing political inclinations to prevent election-related cases.

“DepEd always issues reminders during every election to teachers not to display political preferences, as failure to do so may lead to election-related complaints,” Arnaez said.

“Teachers receive training from Comelec on how to serve properly during elections, and if they follow these guidelines, there should be no issues,” the DepEd-Negros Occidental spokesperson said.

Earlier, Moises Padilla Vice Mayor Adrian Villaflor lodged the complaint against the teacher, alleging violations of Comelec and Civil Service Commission rules due to the latter’s attendance at a meeting of coordinators and family leaders affiliated with the incumbent mayor./JB, WDJ