The pay-for-position scheme in the Department of Education (DepEd) has finally been exposed. On June 28, 2025, DepEd made a strong public statement: no one should pay for a job or promotion. If you’ve ever wondered if people really pay to get positions in schools, now you know—it’s happening. But DepEd is fighting back.
They’re sending a clear message: hiring and promotions should be based on merit, not money. Let’s break down what this scheme is, why it’s dangerous, and how you can help stop it.
⚠️ What Is the Pay-for-Position Scheme?
A pay-for-position scheme means someone pays money or gives favors to get a job or move up the ranks. Instead of being chosen based on skill or performance, they just pay their way in.
This isn’t a new issue. As highlighted in The Wrongking System: When Who You Know Matters More Than What You Know, favoritism in hiring has long been a concern. The article explains how personal connections often outweigh qualifications in some public offices—including schools.
This kind of corruption is illegal under Republic Act 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. If you give or receive money for a government position, you could face administrative, civil, and criminal penalties.
🔍 What DepEd Said About It
On June 28, DepEd publicly said:
“Ang mga posisyon sa DepEd ay pinaghihirapan, at hindi binibili.”
They reminded everyone that public positions are earned through effort—not cash. DepEd also urged victims and witnesses to report any incidents immediately. These reports are confidential, and whistleblowers are protected.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized:
“Hindi ko pahihintulutan ang anumang uri ng katiwalian sa DepEd. Dapat tayo ay may kakayahan, integridad, at tunay na malasakit sa Kabataang Pilipino.”
🧑⚖️ What the Law Says: RA 3019
RA 3019 exists to stop DepEd corruption and other abuses in public offices. The law says:
- Bribery or cash-for-position is a criminal act.
- Offenders can face:
- Dismissal from government service
- Fines
- Imprisonment
Sadly, this isn’t just theory. A recent report titled DepEd Corruption: Are Principals and SDS Selling Vacant Items to Aspiring Teachers for Hefty Sums? revealed disturbing claims of principals and school division superintendents allegedly asking large sums for job placements. These abuses make the case even stronger for strict enforcement of RA 3019.
✅ Why This Must Stop
1. It Destroys Fairness
People who deserve the job lose out to those with money or connections.
2. It Lowers Education Quality
When teachers or administrators are hired without proper qualifications, students suffer.
3. It Damages Trust
If DepEd allows corruption, how can students and parents trust the system?
🛡️ What DepEd Is Doing About It
🔒 1. Confidential Reporting Channels
You can report corruption directly to:
- DepEd Central Office
- NBI (National Bureau of Investigation)
- PNP (Philippine National Police)
DepEd promises to keep all reports confidential and to protect whistleblowers.
📋 2. Merit-Based Hiring Only
DepEd uses the CAR-RQA list (Comparative Assessment Result – Registry of Qualified Applicants). This ensures hiring is transparent, based on credentials, and fair to all.
📢 3. Public Reminders from DepEd
Top officials remind the public regularly that corruption has no place in education. Secretary Angara said only those with integrity and real concern for Filipino youth deserve to work in DepEd.
👥 Real-Life Impact: 20,000 New Teachers This Year
DepEd recently announced the hiring of 20,000 new teachers for School Year 2025–2026. With thousands of jobs open, it’s more important than ever to stop abuse and ensure merit-based appointment only.
💭 My Personal Take
This isn’t just news to me—I lived it.
Last year, I was ranked number 1 for the Master Teacher I position. I worked hard, prepared every document, and followed every rule. I thought everything would be fair. But I didn’t get the position.
Why? Because my co-teacher, who was also applying, allegedly gave money to our principal and some people at the division office. I felt crushed.
It’s one thing to lose a promotion. But it’s another to lose it when you know you earned it—and someone else paid for it. That’s not just unfair, it’s corruption.
That’s why this campaign from DepEd hits me personally. We need real change, not just press releases. If we let this continue, good teachers will keep getting pushed aside, and the system will stay broken.
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is paying for a job in DepEd illegal?
Yes. It’s illegal under RA 3019, and both the giver and taker of the bribe can be punished.
Can I report this anonymously?
Yes. DepEd promises confidentiality and protects whistleblowers.
Where do I report pay-for-position cases?
You can report to DepEd, NBI, or PNP directly.
How does DepEd make hiring fair?
They use the CAR-RQA system to make sure only qualified applicants get hired.
What’s the punishment if caught?
Offenders may face suspension, dismissal, fines, and even jail time.
The pay-for-position scheme must end. It’s unfair, illegal, and harmful to our schools. DepEd’s strong response shows they’re serious—but they need our help.
If you see something, say something. Let’s protect honest teachers and give every student the quality education they deserve.
Have you heard of someone paying for a position at DepEd? Don’t ignore it. Report it safely and confidentially. Help protect Philippine education for future generations.
