Laua-an, Antique – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the removal of a school principal involved in a controversial incident during an End-of-School-Year (EOSY) ceremony on April 15 at Col. Ruperto Abellon National School (CRANS) in Laua-an, Antique.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Atty. Claire Castro confirmed that the President personally directed Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara to relieve Principal Venus Divinia Nietes of her position following public outcry over her decision to allegedly make students remove their graduation gowns during the event.
While Nietes has been removed from her post, Castro clarified that her teaching license has not been revoked.
The controversy gained traction after Laua-an Mayor Aser Baladjay publicly urged the Department of Education to take immediate action against Nietes, citing concerns about her leadership and conduct.
This is not the first time the principal has faced criticism. In September 2023, while serving as principal of Laua-an National High School, over 500 students and more than 20 teachers held a protest in front of the school to express their disapproval of Nietes’ management. Allegations during that time included bullying, threats, and abuse of authority.
The Department of Education has yet to announce who will replace Nietes as principal of CRANS.
