Teachers Say Mandatory Greeting Was “Against Their Will”
A video from Davao del Norte has gone viral showing teachers being asked to greet President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on his birthday.
On the LED screen during the event, it read:
“From all the Teachers of Davao del Norte Region XI — Happy Birthday, President Bongbong Marcos Jr.”
But instead of saying the greeting, many teachers shouted “Duterte, Duterte, Duterte.”
Some teachers later added disclaimers, saying the video was forced and that it went against their will.
Why the Issue Sparked Reactions
This event became controversial because of three main reasons:
- Freedom of Choice – Teachers said they should not be forced to greet a politician if they don’t want to.
- Ethics in Public Service – Public servants like teachers are expected to remain neutral in politics.
- Legal Questions – There is no law that requires government workers to greet the President on his birthday.
What the Law Says
- RA 6713 (Code of Conduct for Public Officials and Employees) – This law requires government workers to act with honesty, accountability, and neutrality. It does not say they should greet a politician on birthdays.
- Political Neutrality Rule – Public employees must avoid showing bias toward a political figure while doing their job.
This means mandatory greetings may go against the principle of neutrality.
Teachers’ Voices
In the comments and reactions online, many teachers expressed frustration:
- Some joked about refusing to speak.
- Others said they were embarrassed to be forced into it.
- Many chose to shout “Duterte” instead of greeting Marcos.
One viral comment said: “Ganyan po ba dapat, Ma’am?” — highlighting how unnatural the situation felt.
Public Response
Online, many Filipinos criticized the act as “sapilitan” (forced). Some asked if bonuses or promotions were being used as pressure. Others showed sympathy for the teachers, saying they were only doing what was required by their bosses.
An open letter circulating on Facebook stated:
“There is no law that requires you to attend the President’s birthday celebration. Likewise, there is no law that forces you to greet him against your will. The President is not a king, nor is he a dictator.”
Why This Matters
This incident goes beyond a simple birthday greeting. It raises questions about:
- The independence of teachers.
- The line between personal loyalty and public duty.
- Whether politics should influence schools and government offices.
My Thoughts
As someone who values freedom and fairness, I believe teachers should not be forced into acts of loyalty. Their role is to educate, not to perform political displays. Respect for teachers means respecting their personal choice too.
FAQs
Were DepEd teachers really forced to greet the President?
Yes, teachers said the video greeting was mandatory and “against their will.”
Is it legal to force government workers to do this?
There is no law requiring it. RA 6713 stresses neutrality, which could make forced greetings questionable.
Why did teachers shout “Duterte” instead?
Many saw it as protest or resistance, showing they disagreed with the forced greeting.
What can DepEd do about this?
DepEd can release clear guidelines that greetings or political displays should be voluntary, not mandatory.
