The Department of Education has suspended Palawan Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Elsie Barrios, Brooke’s Point National High School Principal Alfredo Labor, and Bataraza Public Schools District Supervisor Sonny Boy Taha for alleged violation of Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
The suspension was based on a “Formal Charge with Order of Preventive Suspension” dated August 15, 2025 and signed by DepEd Undersecretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs Att. Filemon Ray Javier.
A copy of the suspension order, which was sent to Palawan News by a well-placed source, stated that after a careful review of records, DepEd found a prima facie case against the three “for the alleged commission of Dishonesty, Oppression, Grave Misconduct, Receiving for Personal Use of a Fee, Gift, or Other Valuable Thing in the Course of Official Duties, Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service” in connection with the issue of the “items for sale” scheme in the DepEd Division of Palawan.
Based on the order, the three are accused of requesting, requiring, collecting, and accepting money in exchange for the approval of appointments, transfers, and promotions in SDO Palawan; and facilitating the appointments, transfers, and promotions of DepEd personnel in SDO Palawan that were based on monetary consideration and not on the merits and qualifications of the individuals involved.
The three were also ordered to submit their answer to the office of Javier within five days from receipt of the charge.
Items for sale became a hot issue after some applicants in DepEd Palawan reached out to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to seek assistance, saying they were being asked to pay certain amounts as much as ₱100,000 and higher to secure a permanent position.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan has been conducting a series of inquiries regarding the issue, which Barrios has constantly denied.
Barrios has been invited by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to attend the inquiry several times but has consistently refused to attend.
It may be recalled that Board Member Ryan Maminta earlier brought to the DepEd Central Office a copy of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan resolution requesting that Barrios be suspended while the items-and-transfer-for-sale case is being investigated.
Palawan News is still verifying if Dr. Barrios and the two other officials have received the suspension order.
