The principal who ordered graduating senior high school students in the Province of Antique to take off their togas has been removed from her post.

Effective on Friday, April 25, 2025, the principal of Col. Ruperto Abellon National School in Laua-an town, Antique has been removed from her post, according to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).

The principal, identified as Venus Divina Nietes, was under investigation after a commotion ensued on April 15, 2025 during a graduation ceremony when students were ordered to take off their togas, citing violation of Department of Education (DepEd) guidelines on austerity.

Nietes underscored that, according to DepEd guidelines to make the ceremony simple and inclusive, only the school uniform and a "sablay" (sash) are allowed as graduation garb.

Nietes cited further that the wearing of togas was not agreed upon in a meeting of the parents and teachers.

However, the PCO did not provide further details on Nietes’ status or if she would be transferred again to another school.

GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas coordinated with the Schools Division Office in Antique, and learned that it is yet to receive a copy of the order from DepEd Central Office.

“Tinanggal lang naman po siya sa pagiging principal. Titingnan pa rin po kung ano ang kanyang behavior. Importante po iyan lalo na po at siya ay isang guro. For the meantime, ito ang mabilisang aksyon na ginawa ni [DepEd] Secretary [Sonny] Angara,” Atty. Claire Castro, PCO undersecretary and press officer at Malacañang Palace, said.

(via GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas Desk)