President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara to dismiss Principal Venus Divinia Nietes from her position at Colonel Ruperto Abellon National High School (CRANS) in Laua-an, Antique. The move follows a controversial incident on April 15 during the school’s year-end ceremony.
The issue erupted after a video of the graduation went viral, showing Nietes scolding students for wearing togas instead of their school uniforms and the school’s prescribed sablay. She reportedly halted the ceremony and ordered class advisers to list the names of students who did not follow what she claimed was the proper dress code. The video drew widespread condemnation from the public, with many criticizing her for embarrassing the students during what should have been a moment of celebration.
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) confirmed the directive through Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Atty. Claire Castro. She clarified that while Nietes is not the official principal of CRANS, her teaching credentials remain valid.
In response to the incident, the Department of Education issued a clarification stating that wearing togas is not prohibited. According to DepEd Memorandum No. 27, s. 2025, and DepEd Order No. 009, s. In 2023, students may wear casual or formal wear, or school uniforms, during graduation. The toga or sablay may also be used as optional supplementary garments.
The Schools Division of Antique promptly launched an investigation and assured the public that no student would be denied their rights or graduation privileges. All affected students were allowed to receive their diplomas and certificates.
Asked whether further administrative or legal action might be taken against Nietes, Castro responded that DepEd would first wait for Secretary Angara’s next steps, noting that her dismissal was the department’s immediate action.
The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition praised DepEd’s swift response but also emphasized the importance of due process. In a statement, the group highlighted that graduation is about honoring students’ hard work and achievements, and no act should diminish their moment of pride.
The group also called for fairness in the investigation, underscoring the need to balance student welfare with respect for educators’ rights.