Can students who heckle public officials be sanctioned under DepEd rules?

A viral video showing several students of Kalinan National High School in Davao City heckling and cursing President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has raised questions online about whether students can be disciplined under Department of Education (DepEd) rules. The short answer is yes—but only after due process and if their actions constitute violations under existing DepEd policies. The issue resurfaced after the Schools Division of Davao City apologized for the students’ behavior during Marcos’ visit to the city on July 28. According to a report by Sandra Aguinaldo on "24 Oras," in the video, which circulated on social media, several students can be heard mocking and cursing the President as he boarded the presidential helicopter near the school. The Schools Division Office said it does not condone the students’ actions, saying these “do not reflect the values of respect, discipline, and responsibility” that schools seek to instill. It also said the identified students, together with their parents or guardians, have already been called in to ensure due process and the implementation of appropriate interventions. What do DepEd rules say? Under DepEd Order No. 006, series of 2026, which lays down the policy on learner discipline, the use of profane, obscene, or offensive language inside school premises, as well as on online platforms, is classified as a disciplinary offense. The order provides a graduated system of sanctions depending on the number of offenses committed. For the first and second offenses, the corresponding sanctions include a written reprimand and a conference with the learner’s parents or guardians. A third offense may result in suspension of up to five days, subject to the provisions of the policy. However, the order also emphasizes that disciplinary measures must be accompanied by appropriate interventions rather than punishment alone. Aside from possible disciplinary sanctions, DepEd Order No. 006, s. 2026 requires schools to provide interventions aimed at helping learners correct their behavior. According to the Schools Division of Davao City, the identified students will undergo interventions focused on: * responsible behavior; * responsible use of digital devices and the internet; and * respect for others. These measures form part of DepEd’s guidance and counseling approach to learner discipline. Meanwhile, the Davao Schools Division stressed that the students and their parents or guardians were summoned to ensure due process before any appropriate interventions or disciplinary measures are implemented. This means schools must first establish the facts of the incident and follow the procedures prescribed under DepEd’s learner discipline policy before imposing any sanction. In the Davao incident, the Schools Division has apologized for the students’ behavior but has yet to announce what specific disciplinary actions, if any, will be imposed following the completion of the due process proceedings. —LDF, GMA News