Report: DepEd probes 180 schools for allegedly collecting graduation fees

With Graduation Day just around the corner, the Department of Education has started investigating some 180 schools for allegedly collecting graduation fees from students.

The DepEd's text action center said it is now verifying the complaints against the schools, radio dzBB's Glen Juego reported late Sunday.

DepEd action center officials said the teachers or even principals found collecting such fees may face administrative sanctions, the report said.

Such sanctions may include suspension or even removal from the service, it added.

Earlier, DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro warned schools against collecting graduation fees from students or having them submit "non-academic" projects before they can graduate.

Luistro encouraged parents and students to use the landline hotlines 6361663 and 6331942 to report incidents of graduation fee collections.

He added schools must keep their graduation ceremonies this year simple, without need for organizing extravagant events.

The DepEd recommended that graduation rites be held on March 18 or 19. — BM, GMA News