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Duterte turns 80 in ICC detention

MANILA. Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte marked his 80th birthday in detention at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Netherlands on Friday, following his controversial arrest earlier this month. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, both supporters and critics took to the streets, prompting heightened security measures by the police.

Duterte’s arrest at Manila’s international airport on March 11 was carried out by Philippine authorities in compliance with an ICC warrant for alleged crimes against humanity. The former president’s detention is a significant turning point for one of the most controversial leaders in Philippine history.

During his presidency, Duterte made headlines for his brash rhetoric, once calling God “stupid,” cursing then U.S. President Barack Obama and the Pope, and stating he would be “happy to slaughter” three million drug addicts in the Philippines—comparing his anti-drug campaign to Adolf Hitler’s mass executions.

Duterte is currently being held at a detention center in the seaside suburb of Scheveningen, approximately 1.5 kilometers from the ICC headquarters in The Hague. Despite his incarceration, he remains “in high spirits,” according to Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte, his daughter, who has been visiting him regularly.

On his birthday, Duterte was visited by his common-law wife and their daughter. His family also sent him a bag of clothes from his home in Davao and his preferred sugar-free soft drinks. Vice President Duterte shared that her father had also requested dental floss.

“I urged him to cook his own food while in detention, but he told me, ‘I’m too old to write a book,’” she recounted, dismissing the idea that he would document his experiences.

Duterte made his first appearance before ICC judges via video on March 15, following his arrest. He faces charges related to the widespread killings under his anti-drug campaign, which spanned from November 2011 to March 2019, covering his tenure as Davao City mayor and Philippine president.

ICC prosecutors have accused Duterte of being an “indirect co-perpetrator” in mass extrajudicial killings. While he has denied authorizing police to kill thousands of suspects, he previously admitted under oath in a Philippine Senate inquiry that he had maintained a “death squad” in Davao City to eliminate criminals.

The estimated death toll from Duterte’s war on drugs varies significantly, with Philippine authorities reporting at least 6,250 deaths. However, human rights groups estimate the number to be between 20,000 and 30,000.

Presiding Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc has scheduled a pretrial hearing for September 23 to determine if the prosecution has sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. If convicted, Duterte could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Duterte retains the right to apply for temporary release, though the families of victims of the drug war strongly oppose such a move, fearing a lack of accountability.

The former president’s detention continues to polarize the country. Supporters held prayer rallies in Manila and Davao City, calling for his immediate release. Meanwhile, left-wing activists staged protests, carrying a mock coffin adorned with images of drug war victims, demanding justice for the thousands killed under Duterte’s rule.

In response to the protests, the Philippine National Police went on high alert, ensuring order during demonstrations on Duterte’s birthday.

The Duterte family has questioned the legality of his arrest and criticized President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration for allowing his surrender to the ICC. The rivalry between the Dutertes and the Marcos family has intensified since the former president’s detention.

Vice President Sara Duterte publicly criticized the Philippine military, saying it had stood “idly by while a former commander-in-chief was taken from a military base under questionable circumstances.”

The Armed Forces of the Philippines responded with a statement on Thursday emphasizing its neutrality: “Any deviation from this principle would undermine the very democracy we are bound to protect.”

As Duterte marks a milestone birthday in ICC detention, his legacy remains deeply divisive. His supporters view him as a leader who took bold measures to combat crime, while his critics see him as a human rights violator who must be held accountable. With his trial still pending, the future of the former president—and the broader implications for Philippine politics—remains uncertain.

With reports from Associated Press

Six Russians dead, 39 tourists rescued after submarine sinks in Egypt’s Red Sea

CAIRO, Egypt. Six Russian nationals died, and 39 foreign tourists were rescued after a sightseeing submarine sank off the coast of Hurghada, a popular Egyptian Red Sea resort, on Thursday, according to the Red Sea Governorate. Authorities confirmed that all passengers and crew members had been accounted for.

The sunken vessel, the Sindbad, had 50 people onboard: 45 tourists from Russia, India, Norway, and Sweden, and five Egyptian crew members.

“Most of those on board were rescued and taken to their hotels and hospitals in Hurghada,” the Russian consulate in Hurghada stated.

The Sindbad was a recreational submarine designed for underwater excursions, allowing passengers to observe the Red Sea’s vibrant coral reefs and marine life through its large portholes. According to the operator’s website, the vessel could descend up to 25 meters below the surface.

Investigations Underway

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the sinking. Red Sea Governor Amr Hanafy confirmed that the submarine was licensed, and its captain held proper certification. Officials are questioning the crew as part of the inquiry.

Tourism Hub at Risk?

The Red Sea is a crucial destination for Egypt’s tourism industry, which remains a key pillar of the country’s economy. Russian tourists, in particular, represent a growing share of visitors. Egypt, known for its pyramids, Nile cruises, and diving spots, relies heavily on tourism revenue, which a United Nations report ranked as the highest in Africa in 2024 at $14.1 billion—more than double its Suez Canal earnings.

However, concerns over maritime safety have been rising following a series of accidents.

  • June 2023: A tourist boat sank due to high waves, but all passengers survived.
  • November 2023: A vessel carrying 31 tourists and 13 crew members capsized, with local media reporting at least 11 fatalities.
  • February 2024: After undergoing maintenance, a tourist boat sank while heading to Hurghada.

Despite these incidents, Egyptian authorities maintain that safety inspections are regularly conducted. The Tourism Ministry and the Chamber of Diving have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the latest tragedy.

Palasyo sa mga bangko: Palakasin ang depensa laban sa cyber attacks

MAYNILA. Hinimok ng Malacañang ang mga bangko na pagbutihin ang kanilang mga polisiya upang mapigilan ang lumalalang cyber fraud at pag-atake sa sektor ng pananalapi.

Ito ay matapos makumpirma na ang mga financial institutions na pinangangasiwaan ng Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) ay nakaranas ng P5.82 bilyong pagkalugi dahil sa cyberattacks noong 2024. Ang halagang ito ay mas mataas ng 2.6% kumpara sa P5.67 bilyon na naitala noong 2023.

Mas Matibay na Cybersecurity Policies

“In line with that, atin din pong hinihikayat na magkaroon din po ang mga bangko, mabago ang kanilang mga internal policies patungkol po dito,” pahayag ni Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary at Palace Press Officer Claire Castro sa isang press briefing sa Malacañang.

Binigyang-diin ni Castro na kailangang mas pagtibayin ang cyber resilience ng financial sector upang maprotektahan ang publiko laban sa mga cybercriminals.

Kasabay nito, sinabi niya na patuloy ang pamahalaan sa pagpapalakas ng information dissemination upang maturuan ang publiko kung paano makakaiwas sa mga online scam.

“Nag-e-evolve po talaga ang paggawa ng krimen. So, kailangan din po ang mga proyekto natin, ‘yong ating mga panuntunan dito ay dapat nag-a-upgrade din po,” dagdag ni Castro.

Patuloy na Pagtaas ng Cyber Threats

Ayon sa BSP circular, ang lahat ng pinangangasiwaang financial institutions ay inaatasang magsumite ng regular at event-driven reports hinggil sa teknolohiyang ginagamit, pati na rin ang mga insidente ng malalaking cyberattacks.

“The number of reports on crimes and losses submitted by supervised institutions has increased from 40,780 in 2024 to 40,572 in 2023,” ayon sa data ng BSP.

Kabilang sa pangunahing cybersecurity risks na kinaharap ng mga BSP-supervised institutions noong 2024 ay phishing, “card-not-present” fraud, account takeover o identity fraud, at hacking.

“Estimated losses due to phishing and card-not-present fraud rose to PHP1.8 billion and PHP1.5 billion, respectively,” ayon sa BSP.

Patuloy na pinapayuhan ng mga eksperto ang publiko na maging maingat sa pagbibigay ng personal at financial information online upang maiwasan ang pananamantala ng mga cybercriminals.

South Korea battles devastating wildfires: Death toll rises to 24, helicopter pilot killed in crash

UISEONG COUNTY, South Korea. Wildfires raging across South Korea’s southeastern region have claimed at least 24 lives, while a firefighting helicopter crashed on Wednesday, killing its pilot, as the country faces one of its most destructive fire outbreaks in decades.

The fast-spreading wildfires have displaced more than 27,000 people, destroyed homes, forced school closures, and necessitated the evacuation of hundreds of prison inmates, according to government reports. Strong winds and dry weather continue to fuel the blazes, making containment efforts extremely challenging.

“We are deploying all available personnel and equipment in response to the worst wildfires ever, but the situation is not good,” Acting President Han Duck-soo stated, acknowledging the support of U.S. military forces stationed in Korea.

Rising Death Toll and Devastation

The Korea Forest Service has confirmed that 24 people have died as a result of the fires. While an official breakdown was not provided, the Safety Ministry previously reported that 14 fatalities occurred in Uiseong County, with four additional deaths linked to a separate blaze in Sancheong County. Many of the victims were elderly, in their 60s and 70s, according to local police official Son Chang-ho.

In addition to the human toll, the wildfires have razed entire neighborhoods and damaged critical infrastructure. The flames had already consumed Goun Temple, built in 681, and were posing a severe threat to UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Hahoe Village and the Byeongsan Confucian Academy in Andong City. Authorities scrambled to spray fire retardants in an attempt to protect these cultural landmarks.

Helicopter Crash and Firefighting Challenges

A tragic incident unfolded when a firefighting helicopter belonging to the Korea Forest Service crashed while attempting to douse the flames, killing its pilot.

Eyewitness Kim Jin-han, 63, described the moment of impact: “It completely exploded, and I couldn’t even tell which parts were the propellers.”

Video footage from the crash site showed smoldering debris scattered across a hillside. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

The crash has further complicated South Korea’s firefighting efforts, as the country relies heavily on helicopters due to its mountainous terrain. Fire suppression operations were briefly halted following the crash, and concerns were raised about the condition of the nation’s aging aerial firefighting fleet.

Equipment Shortages and Climate Change Concerns

South Korea’s ability to combat wildfires has been hindered by a shortage of firefighting helicopters. Of the country’s 48 Russian-made helicopters, eight have been grounded since last year due to international sanctions preventing the import of necessary parts, a Democratic Party lawmaker revealed in October.

Lee Byung-doo, a forest disaster expert at the National Institute of Forest Science, called the Uiseong wildfire’s scale and speed “unimaginable.” He linked the increasing severity of wildfires to climate change, referencing recent wildfires in Los Angeles (January) and northeastern Japan.

“We have to admit large-scale wildfires are going to increase, and for that, we need more resources and trained manpower,” Lee told Reuters.

Massive Firefighting Efforts and Disaster Designation

On Wednesday, over 10,000 firefighters, police officers, and military personnel were deployed across four major fire-hit areas. The Safety Ministry reported that 87 helicopters were also being used in fire suppression efforts.

The South Korean government has designated the affected areas as special disaster zones, with officials estimating that the fires have already scorched more than 15,000 hectares (37,065 acres).

Weather forecasts indicate that rain is expected across the country on Thursday, but only 5 to 10 mm is predicted in fire-hit regions—raising concerns that it may not be enough to curb the devastating flames.

Calls for More Resources

As South Korea grapples with the ongoing wildfire crisis, Kim Jong-gun, a Korea Forest Service spokesperson, stated that the government plans to acquire additional wildfire-fighting helicopters to address criticisms regarding the country’s firefighting capabilities.

With the blazes still raging, officials continue to work around the clock to contain the destruction and prevent further loss of life and property.

South Korea’s centuries-old Gounsa temple is left in ruins by unprecedented wildfires. Wildfires in South Korea destroyed nearly half of more than 30 structures at an ancient temple.

Chinese researchers successfully transplant pig kidney, conduct experimental pig liver implant

BEIJING, China. Chinese researchers have taken significant steps in the field of xenotransplantation, reporting the successful transplantation of a genetically modified pig kidney into a human patient and an experimental pig liver transplant into a brain-dead individual.

A team from Xijing Hospital of the Fourth Military Medical University in Xi’an announced that nearly three weeks after undergoing surgery, the patient receiving the pig kidney is in stable condition. “[The patient] is very well, and the pig kidney likewise is functioning very well,” said Dr. Lin Wang, a member of the hospital’s xenotransplant team, during a briefing this week.

The patient, identified by Chinese media as a 69-year-old woman suffering from kidney failure for the past eight years, remains under medical observation to monitor the organ’s long-term viability. She is the third known person worldwide to receive a gene-edited pig kidney transplant, following two successful procedures in the United States—one in Alabama in November 2023 and another in New Hampshire in January 2024.

Exploring Pig Livers for Human Transplantation

In addition to the kidney transplant, Wang’s team conducted an experiment involving a pig liver transplanted into a brain-dead individual. Their findings, published in Nature on Wednesday, indicated that the organ survived for 10 days without early signs of rejection. The pig liver produced bile and albumin—both crucial for basic liver function—although at lower levels compared to a human liver.

“We do find that it could function a little bit in a human being,” Wang explained, suggesting that a pig liver might serve as temporary support for failing human livers in the future.

The liver, one of the body’s most complex organs, performs essential functions such as filtering waste, metabolizing nutrients and medications, fighting infections, and regulating blood clotting. Due to these complexities, liver xenotransplantation remains a challenging frontier.

Comparing Research Approaches

The U.S. has also been exploring pig liver transplants. In 2023, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania tested an external pig liver attachment to a brain-dead patient, functioning similarly to dialysis for kidney failure. Meanwhile, U.S. biotech company eGenesis is working on refining this approach.

In China, Wang’s team opted not to remove the deceased individual’s own liver but instead implanted the pig liver alongside it. This method, however, raises scientific questions. “It’s hopefully a first step, but like any good research, it raises more questions than answers,” said Dr. Parsia Vagefi, a liver transplant surgeon at UT Southwestern Medical Center who was not involved in the study.

According to reports, another Chinese hospital attempted a similar experiment last year by transplanting a pig liver into a living patient after removing a cancerous portion of his liver. However, the outcome of that case remains unclear.

The Future of Xenotransplantation

Scientists worldwide continue to refine gene-editing techniques to make pig organs more compatible with human bodies, aiming to address the growing shortage of transplantable human organs. With clinical trials in the U.S. set to begin soon, the success of these pioneering procedures could pave the way for a revolutionary shift in organ transplantation, potentially saving thousands of lives in the future.

Bagong VAT Refund Program, inaasahang magpapasigla sa turismo ng Pilipinas

MAYNILA. Kumpiyansa ang gobyerno na ang bagong ipinatutupad na Value-Added Tax (VAT) refund program para sa mga dayuhang turista ay makakatulong sa pagpapalakas ng turismo at retail sectors ng bansa.

Sa isang press briefing sa Malacañang, sinabi ni Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary at Palace Press Officer Claire Castro na ang bagong programa ay bahagi ng inisyatiba ng pamahalaan upang mapataas ang bilang ng mga turistang bumibisita sa bansa at mahikayat silang gumastos nang mas malaki, na makakatulong din sa paglago ng ekonomiya.

“Ito po ay isang paraan lamang po para mas marami pong turista ang pumunta sa ating bansa at ito din po ay makakapag-engganyo rin po na bumili ng mga produkto dito sa ating bansa,” ayon kay Castro.

Dagdag pa niya, layunin ng programa na gawing mas competitive shopping destination ang Pilipinas upang mas maraming turista ang mamili rito.

Pirmahan ng IRR para sa VAT Refund

Kamakailan, nilagdaan ng mga opisyal ng Department of Finance (DOF), Bureau of Customs (BOC), at Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) ang implementing rules and regulations (IRR) para sa VAT Refund for Non-Resident Tourists.

Sa ilalim ng Republic Act 12079, ang mga non-resident tourists o foreign passport holders ay maaaring mag-apply para sa VAT refund sa mga locally purchased goods mula sa mga accredited stores, kung ang halagang binili ay hindi bababa sa ₱3,000 at dadalhin palabas ng bansa bilang accompanied baggage sa loob ng 60 araw mula sa petsa ng pagbili.

Pinirmahan ang IRR nina Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, Bureau of Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio, at Bureau of Internal Revenue Deputy Commissioner Marissa Cabreros, sa harap nina Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco at Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick Go.

Mas Maginhawang Transaksyon para sa mga Turista

Sa isang pahayag, binigyang-diin ni Recto ang kahalagahan ng programa upang mahikayat ang mas maraming turista na bumisita, manatili nang mas matagal, at gumastos nang mas malaki.

“We want more tourists to come — and we want them to stay longer, spend bigger, and transact with convenience,” ani Recto sa ceremonial signing.

Ayon sa DOF, gagamitin ng pamahalaan ang serbisyo ng internationally recognized VAT refund operators upang magbigay ng end-to-end solutions para sa mas mabilis at episyenteng pagbabalik ng VAT refund. Maaaring gawin ang refund electronically o sa cash.

“With a multiplier effect of 1.97, every 100 pesos spent by a tourist generates 197 pesos in economic output. Imagine that. Halos doble ang balik sa ekonomiya,” paliwanag ni Recto.

“And more money spent by foreign tourists means more businesses created, more Filipino workers hired, more jobs provided, higher incomes for our people, and more revenues for the government to collect. That’s the simple formula for growth,” dagdag niya.

Pilipinas bilang Global Shopping Destination

Ang VAT refund program ay bahagi ng mas malawak na plano ng administrasyon ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. upang palakasin ang turismo at gawing premier global shopping destination ang Pilipinas.

“Our shared goal should be clear: Tourists should leave the Philippines with more than just souvenirs. They should leave knowing that this is a country that delivers on its promises. A country that knows how to take good care of its guests. A country that doesn’t just welcome them with smiles—but with systems and policies that work,” saad ni Recto.

“For if we do things right, in the eyes of our visitors, we won’t just be a country of pristine beaches and warm hospitality. We’ll be that one ultimate tourist destination they’ll keep coming back to. Again and again,” dagdag pa niya.

Sa patuloy na pagpapatupad ng mga proyektong tulad ng VAT refund program, umaasa ang pamahalaan na higit pang lalago ang turismo sa Pilipinas at magiging mas kaakit-akit ang bansa sa mga mamimiling dayuhan.

Palestinians stage largest anti-Hamas protests in Gaza since war began

GAZA STRIP. In a rare display of public dissent, thousands of Palestinians took to the streets of northern Gaza on Tuesday to protest against Hamas, marking the largest demonstration against the militant group since its attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023.

Video footage obtained by CNN showed large crowds marching through the streets of Beit Lahia, chanting “For god’s sake, Hamas out,” “Hamas terrorists,” and “We want an end to the war.” A CNN journalist on the ground estimated the protesters to be thousands.

A call for further demonstrations spread across social media, with organizers urging Palestinians to continue raising their voices against Hamas. “Our voices must reach all the spies who sold our blood,” read a message circulating online. “Let them hear your voice, let them know that Gaza is not silent, and that there is a people who will not accept to be eradicated.” CNN has not been able to verify the source of the message.

The protests come as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens, with the enclave’s health ministry reporting that the death toll has surpassed 50,000. The region, home to 2.1 million Palestinians, has suffered extensive destruction due to Israel’s military response to the October 7 attacks. Northern Gaza, in particular, has been heavily bombarded, making it difficult for aid agencies to reach affected areas.

The humanitarian situation has further deteriorated since Israel halted aid deliveries at the start of March following the breakdown of ceasefire negotiations. On Sunday, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) reported that no food, water, medicine, or fuel had entered Gaza for three weeks. “Every day without food inches Gaza closer to an acute hunger crisis,” the agency warned in a social media post.

Hamas has controlled Gaza since 2007, after a brief civil war with Fatah, the dominant faction of the Palestinian Authority. Israel has frequently accused Hamas of diverting humanitarian aid to bolster its military operations, a claim the group denies.

As the war drags on into its 17th month, frustrations among civilians appear to be reaching a boiling point, with calls for an end to the conflict growing louder.

ICC reaffirms jurisdiction over crimes committed before Philippines’ withdrawal from Rome Statute

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has reiterated its jurisdiction over crimes allegedly committed in the Philippines before the country’s withdrawal from the Rome Statute, according to ICC spokesperson Fadi El Abdallah. This includes cases occurring between 2011 and 2019, the year the Philippine government formally exited the international tribunal.

In an interview on “State of the Nation” on Tuesday, El Abdallah emphasized that despite the Philippines’ withdrawal, the ICC retains the authority to investigate and prosecute crimes that took place during the period when the country was still a signatory to the treaty.

Regarding the legality of the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, El Abdallah stated that the decision rests with the ICC judge. The process of surrendering a defendant to the ICC, he added, depends on the laws of the country involved.

The Philippine Supreme Court ruled in 2021 that the government is obligated to cooperate in any criminal proceedings initiated before its withdrawal from the Rome Statute took effect. This ruling underscores the country’s legal responsibility to comply with ICC processes in cases that were already under investigation before its exit.

Duterte was arrested in Manila on March 11 following the issuance of an ICC arrest warrant in connection with alleged crimes against humanity tied to his administration’s controversial war on drugs. The former president was transferred to The Hague Penitentiary Institution, also known as Scheveningen Prison, arriving at 7:34 p.m. on March 12 (2:34 a.m. on March 13, Philippine time).

On March 14, Duterte appeared before the ICC via video link, where the court formally presented the charges against him concerning the thousands of drug-related deaths that occurred during his tenure. Police records estimate around 6,000 fatalities from anti-drug operations, though human rights organizations claim the actual number could be as high as 30,000, including vigilante killings.

During the proceedings, Duterte was informed of his rights under the Rome Statute. The ICC has scheduled the confirmation of the charges hearing to commence on September 23, 2025, marking a critical stage in the case against the former Philippine leader.

Webb telescope captures stunning image of a forming star and distant galaxy

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. The James Webb Space Telescope has captured a breathtaking image of a forming star ejecting a stream of gas and dust set against the dramatic backdrop of a distant spiral galaxy.

The composite image, released by NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) on Monday, creates the illusion of a rocket’s billowing contrail soaring toward the galaxy. However, NASA clarified that the two celestial objects are unrelated—merely aligned by cosmic coincidence.

According to NASA, the stellar outflow is located 625 light-years from Earth in one of the nearest star-forming regions of the Milky Way. (A light-year equals nearly 6 trillion miles.) The phenomenon was observed in the infrared spectrum, revealing stunning details hidden from traditional optical telescopes.

NASA described the discovery as “a lucky alignment” that provides unprecedented insight into stellar formation. The Webb Telescope, launched in 2021 as the successor to the Hubble Space Telescope, boasts superior capabilities that allow scientists to study distant cosmic structures with remarkable clarity.

A similar view was first captured in 2006 by NASA’s retired Spitzer Space Telescope, where astronomers nicknamed the stellar jet “the cosmic tornado.” However, Spitzer’s image lacked the resolution to reveal the background galaxy and finer details that Webb has now uncovered.

The James Webb Space Telescope is the largest and most powerful observatory ever deployed in space, continuing to revolutionize our understanding of the universe with its cutting-edge technology and unprecedented clarity.

DepEd: Bawal ang pangangampanya sa graduation rites

MAYNILA. Muling nagpaalala ang Department of Education (DepEd) sa lahat ng pampublikong paaralan sa bansa na mahigpit na ipinagbabawal ang pagsasagawa ng anumang partisan political activities o electioneering sa mga end-of-school year (EOSY) rites para sa School Year 2024-2025.

Sa isang memorandum na inilabas ni Education Secretary Sonny Angara, binigyang-diin na ang lahat ng opisyal ng DepEd, guro, at non-teaching personnel ay hindi dapat makilahok sa anumang aktibidad na may kaugnayan sa politika, alinsunod sa umiiral na mga regulasyon.

Bukod dito, iginiit din ng ahensya na ang mga EOSY rites, kabilang ang graduation at moving-up ceremonies, ay dapat manatiling simple ngunit makahulugan. “Hindi dapat gawing maluho ang mga seremonyang ito. Mas mahalaga ang pagbibigay-diin sa tagumpay ng mga mag-aaral kaysa sa anumang magarbong selebrasyon,” ayon sa DepEd.

Patuloy na hinihikayat ng ahensya ang mga paaralan na sundin ang patakarang ito upang mapanatili ang dignidad ng seremonya at maiwasan ang anumang impluwensyang pampulitika sa edukasyon.