Administrators of at least 28 public elementary and high schools are in hot water for violating the “no graduation fee policy” of the Department of Education (DepEd) in connection with the coming graduation exercises.

Kabatan party-list Raymond Palatino said his office has listed complaints by parents and students in at least 28 schools, many of them aired through the party-list organization’s hotline.
Documented complaints were taken from parents and students in 26 of the 28 schools.

In Marikina City, almost all high schools are reportedly demanding from senior students fees ranging from P700-P900 for various expenses.

Palatino said charging fees for elementary and high school graduations is in violation of DepEd Order No. 13, series of 2010 or the Guidelines on Graduation Rites.

Palatino said they have already received hundreds of complaints from parents since their group launched the complaints hotline the other day.

“Our hotline has been ringing non-stop, proof that the DepEd order is not being implemented," the young lawmaker said.

Public schools cited for imposing graduation fees include Taytay Elementary School, San Francisco Elementary School, Trapiche Elementary School, Sergio Osmena High School, Buso-Buso Elementary School, Mabolo Elementary School, Pineda Elementary School, Juan National High School, Miguel Aranda Memorial School, Mariano Marcos State University, Binalbagan National High School, Anilao Elementary School, Napoleon Solero High School, Tala High School, Bagumbong High School, Indang National High School, Sambal Elementary School, Gen. Roxas Elementary School, San Bartolome High School, Bago Bantay Elementary School, Quirino High School, Mandaluyong Science High School, Capol Central Elementary School, National Comprehensive High School, Isaac Integrated School, Makapilapil Elementary School and Muntinlupa National High School.

According to Palatino, graduation fees charged from students range from P150 to P1,150.

Complainants disclosed that their teachers claim that the fees will cover expenses for yearbook publication, graduation balls, togas, sound system, PTA, graduation picture, catering services, stage decorations, and transportation.

“We even received overseas calls from parents. These graduation fees are a burden even to our OFWs," said Palatino.

“We urge the DepEd to conduct probes immediately,” he said.