DepEd probes ‘flag-mopping’ video

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Education (DepEd) is in close coordination with the University of the East (UE) to investigate a viral video showing one of its students using a Philippine flag to mop the floor.

DepEd assistant secretary for legal and legislative affairs Tonisito Umali said they have instructed the agency’s regional office to probe the incident.

The issue stemmed from a 22-second viral video, which showed a student using a Philippine flag to mop the floor of a classroom.

Ester Albano Garcia, UE president and chief academic officer, admitted that the video occurred in their high school department.

She said they have convened a disciplinary committee to investigate the matter.

In a phone interview with The STAR yesterday, DepEd National Capital Region director Ponciano Menguito said the Division of Manila has asked UE to submit an incident report.

DepEd will monitor the actions that the university will take to address the matter, he added.

Garcia said UE will conduct activities for all its students to raise awareness of Republic Act 8491, or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.

The law declares the desecration of the Philippine flag as a criminal offense with a penalty of imprisonment of up to one year and a fine of P20,000.

It is unclear if criminal charges for violating the law will be instituted against the students involved in the video.

However, Umali noted that the students could not be criminally prosecuted as they are minors and are covered by the juvenile justice law.