Laua-an, Antique – Principal Venus Divinia Nietes of Col. Ruperto Abellon National High School has been relieved from her post following public uproar over a viral incident during a graduation ceremony held on April 16, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed.
In the now-widely shared video, Nietes was seen ordering students to remove their graduation togas, an act that drew immediate backlash from graduates, parents, and fellow educators.
“What should have been a day of celebration turned into a moment of deep disappointment,” said one parent, describing the event as humiliating and disrespectful to the students’ years of hard work.
The toga, a traditional symbol of academic achievement, was at the center of the issue, with many questioning the principal’s decision and the timing of its enforcement during the ceremony itself.
The Palace clarified that Principal Nietes was removed from her position but her professional teaching license remains intact. Investigations into the matter and school-level procedures are reportedly ongoing.
The Department of Education has yet to release an official statement regarding further administrative actions.
