# Who Disciplines DepEd Teachers and School Heads?

The Regional Director or the Secretary decides charges against DepEd teachers and school heads. The superintendent disciplines non-teaching staff only.

This is the Markdown copy of [Who Disciplines DepEd Teachers and School Heads?](https://nash.com.ph/blog/deped-disciplining-authority-teachers-school-heads), an article on the NASH Reviewer Blog by Mark Anthony Llego, published Oct 31, 2026, updated Nov 4, 2026. Topics: School leadership, Aspiring school heads. NASH Reviewer is an independent practice platform not affiliated with DepEd, BHROD, or NEAP.

In DepEd, charges against a public school teacher, including a principal, head teacher or other school head, are decided by the Regional Director of the region or by the Secretary of Education. The Schools Division Superintendent (SDS) is a disciplining authority only for non-teaching personnel in the division. The rule is Section 1 of [DepEd Order No. 49, s. 2006](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2006/12/12/do-49-s-2006-revised-rules-of-procedure-of-the-department-of-education-in-administrative-cases-amended-by/), the Revised Rules of Procedure of the Department of Education in Administrative Cases: "The disciplining authorities in the Department of Education shall be the Secretary and the Regional Directors in their respective regions." The implementing rules of the Governance of Basic Education Act (RA 9155) say the same, and in 2006 the Supreme Court upheld them, holding that a division superintendent "is not a disciplining authority over teachers".

A school head is not a disciplining authority at all. The school head forwards complaints and recommends, but does not decide a charge or order a preventive suspension.

Each rule below is stated as of October 31, 2026, including where the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the Ombudsman fit. No DepEd order has amended or replaced DO 49.

## Key findings

- **The Secretary and the Regional Directors are DepEd's disciplining authorities.** The SDS is one too, but only for non-teaching personnel in the division (DO 49, s. 2006, Sec. 1; RA 9155 Implementing Rules, Rule IV, Sec. 4.3).
- **A school head is a "teacher" under the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers** (RA 4670, Sec. 2; *Office of the Ombudsman v. Medrano*, 2008), and is disciplined as one.
- **The superintendent chairs; the Regional Director decides.** "A division superintendent of schools is not a disciplining authority over teachers" (*Public Schools District Supervisors Association v. De Jesus*, 2006, En Banc). The SDS, or a representative of at least division-supervisor rank, chairs the committee that hears a teacher's case (RA 4670, Sec. 9; DO 49, Sec. 21(a)); its report serves "only as a guide" (DO 49, Sec. 41).
- **When the superintendent is the complainant or an interested party, the Secretary appoints all the committee members** (RA 4670, Sec. 9). DO 49, Sec. 21(a) leaves this proviso out; the statute still applies.
- **The Undersecretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs signs for the Secretary** decisions in Central Office cases, orders creating investigation committees, formal charges and preventive suspensions (DO 001, s. 2023, Annex C; unchanged by the 2024–2026 amendments). No national DepEd order delegates the Regional Director's power over teachers to SDSs, and DO 021, s. 2025 says the Undersecretary's supervision of DepEd lawyers "does not diminish the authority" of either.
- **DepEd's power is not exclusive.** Agency disciplining authorities share "original concurrent jurisdiction" with the CSC (2025 RACCS, Sec. 9), and the Ombudsman's authority over teachers is concurrent with DepEd's committee, though the Court treats that committee as the proper forum (*Medrano*, 2008; *Galicia*, 2008, En Banc).
- **The school head forwards and recommends.** The RA 9155 rules give the school head no disciplinary authority (Implementing Rules, Rule VI). A child-protection complaint goes to the disciplining authority within 48 hours (DO 40, s. 2012, Sec. 16(A)), and a principal who recommended a teacher's reassignment was "a purely recommendatory authority" (*Orcino v. Civil Service Commission*, 1990).

## Who is the disciplining authority in DepEd?

The 2025 Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service (2025 RACCS) define the disciplining authority as the person or body "duly authorized by law to investigate infractions, impose disciplinary actions, and enforce civil service laws, rules, and regulations" (Sec. 4(l)). DO 49 names who that is in DepEd.

| Respondent | Disciplining authority | Where the complaint is filed | Formal investigation committee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher, including a principal, head teacher, teacher-in-charge or other school head (RA 4670, Sec. 2) | The Regional Director of the region, or the Secretary (DO 49, Sec. 1) | The Regional Director (Sec. 6) | The SDS or a representative of at least division-supervisor rank as chair, a teachers' organization representative and a division supervisor (Sec. 21(a); RA 4670, Sec. 9) |
| Non-teaching personnel in a division, including those assigned to schools | The SDS, who is "also" a disciplining authority for them (Sec. 1) | The SDS (Sec. 6) | As the disciplining authority decides (Sec. 21(d)) |
| Regional office personnel | The Regional Director (Sec. 6; Implementing Rules, Rule III, Sec. 3.3) | The Regional Director (Sec. 6) | As the disciplining authority decides (Sec. 21(d)) |
| Central Office officers and employees | The Secretary, with "original and exclusive jurisdiction" (Sec. 1) | The Central Office Legal Division (Sec. 6), now the Legal Service (DO 52, s. 2015) | As the Secretary decides (Sec. 21(c)) |
| Assistant superintendents, superintendents, assistant regional directors, regional directors, assistant secretaries and undersecretaries | The Secretary, with "original and exclusive jurisdiction"; the President confirms, modifies or disapproves the decision (Secs. 1 and 43) | The Central Office Legal Division (Sec. 6), now the Legal Service | The Secretary or a representative of equal or higher rank as chair, a Philippine Public School Teachers Association (PPSTA) representative, and an officer of equal or higher rank (Sec. 21(b)) |

Two more rules: "The Secretary of Education can take cognizance of any complaint or administrative case filed before any office of the Department of Education" (Sec. 6), and where a Regional Director decides, a penalty of removal needs the Secretary's confirmation (Sec. 45); appeals are in [Formal Investigation and Decision in DepEd Cases](https://nash.com.ph/blog/deped-formal-investigation-decision).

## DO 49, Sec. 1 and the RA 9155 rules

### What DO 49 says

Sec. 1 of DO 49 opens:

> "The disciplining authorities in the Department of Education shall be the Secretary and the Regional Directors in their respective regions. The Superintendents of Schools shall also be the disciplining authorities for administrative actions against non-teaching personnel in their respective school divisions."

It then gives the Secretary "original and exclusive jurisdiction" over Central Office personnel and the presidential appointees it names, from assistant superintendents to undersecretaries; the President confirms, modifies or disapproves the Secretary's decisions on those appointees.

Sec. 3 follows the same lines for a case started without a complaint: the Secretary, the Regional Director "in case of DepED Officials and teaching and non-teaching personnel", and the SDS "in case of non-teaching personnel within their jurisdiction". Anyone else starts a case by "sworn written complaint". The 2025 RACCS adds a show-cause order for cases the disciplining authority starts (Sec. 10); see [How to File an Administrative Complaint in DepEd](https://nash.com.ph/blog/deped-administrative-complaint-filing).

DepEd's 2024 signing-authority order still names the President as the appointing authority for Regional Directors, Assistant Regional Directors, SDSs and Assistant SDSs ([DO 015, s. 2024](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2024/10/18/october-18-2024-do-015-s-2024-revised-designation-of-undersecretaries-and-assistant-secretaries-to-the-strands-and-functional-areas-of-responsibilities-and-revised-signing-authorities-on/), Enclosure No. 2).

### What the RA 9155 rules say

RA 9155, the Governance of Basic Education Act of 2001, does not itself say who disciplines teachers; the Supreme Court said so in 2006 (below). Its implementing rules, issued as [DepEd Order No. 1, s. 2003](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2003/01/06/do-1-s-2003-promulgating-the-implementing-rules-and-regulations-irr-of-republic-act-no-9155-otherwise-known-as-the-governance-of-basic-education-act-of-2001/), do, level by level:

| Level | Rule | What it says on discipline |
|---|---|---|
| Secretary | Rule II, Sec. 2.1(8) | "Exercising disciplinary authority subject to civil service laws, rules and regulations and procedure." |
| Regional Director | Rule III, Sec. 3.3 | Appoints regional office employees, except the assistant regional director, and "likewise shall have disciplinary authority over the aforesaid personnel." |
| Schools Division Superintendent | Rule IV, Sec. 4.3 | Appoints "all employees in the division, both teaching and non-teaching personnel, including school heads", but "shall have disciplinary authority only over the non-teaching personnel under his jurisdiction." |
| Regional Director, for teachers | Rule IV, Sec. 4.3, last paragraph | "The Regional Director shall continue exercising disciplinary authority over the teaching personnel insofar as the latter are covered by specific and exclusive disciplinary provisions under the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers (R.A. No. 4670)." |
| School head | Rule VI, Sec. 6.2 | Twelve items of "authority, accountability and responsibility", including "Administering and managing all personnel, physical and fiscal resources of the school"; none is disciplinary, and Rule VI has no section on disciplinary authority |

So the SDS hires, places and evaluates teachers and school heads (RA 9155, Sec. 7(C)(3)), but the Regional Director, or the Secretary, disciplines them. DO 49 kept that split.

Both rest on the [Administrative Code of 1987](https://lawphil.net/executive/execord/eo1987/eo_292_1987.html), which gives "The Secretaries and heads of agencies" jurisdiction "to investigate and decide matters involving disciplinary action against officers and employees under their jurisdiction" (Book V, Sec. 47(2)). Proceedings against a non-presidential appointee may be commenced "by the Secretary or head of office of equivalent rank, or head of local government, or chiefs of agencies, or regional directors, or upon sworn, written complaint of any other person" (Sec. 48(1)), and the investigation "shall be conducted by the disciplining authority concerned or his authorized representative" (Sec. 48(7)).

### School heads are teachers under RA 4670

[RA 4670](https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1966/ra_4670_1966.html), Sec. 2 counts as teachers not only classroom teachers but "all other persons performing supervisory and/or administrative functions in all schools, colleges and universities operated by the Government or its political subdivisions". It excludes "school nurses, school physicians, school dentists, and other school employees", who are non-teaching personnel.

In [*Office of the Ombudsman v. Medrano*](https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2008/oct2008/gr_177580_2008.html), G.R. No. 177580, October 17, 2008 (Second Division), the Court held that a respondent designated officer-in-charge of one public school while serving as principal of another was covered by that definition. DO 49, Sec. 21(a) uses the same definition, so a principal, head teacher or teacher-in-charge is disciplined as any teacher is. On the posts themselves, see [Principal, Head Teacher or Teacher-in-Charge in DepEd](https://nash.com.ph/blog/principal-head-teacher-teacher-in-charge).

## Why the superintendent does not decide teachers' cases (*PSDSA v. De Jesus*, 2006)

[*Public Schools District Supervisors Association v. De Jesus*](https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/assets/dtSearch/dtSearch_system_files/dtisapi6.dll?cmd=getdoc&DocId=49724&Index=%2a4aeb4dbdcceeda9b59b85ae3fb22cec0), G.R. No. 157286, June 16, 2006 (En Banc; Callejo, Sr., J.).

**Facts.** The association of public schools district supervisors asked the Court to strike down several provisions of DO 1, s. 2003, among them Rule IV, Sec. 4.3. It argued that the grant of disciplinary authority over teachers to the Regional Director "is definitely not provided for in R.A. No. 9155", and that since the SDS hires teachers, the SDS "should also take the responsibility of disciplining erring teachers and employees". Splitting the two powers, it warned, would let the "palakasan" or "bata-bata" system flourish. It also sought a higher salary grade.

**Issue.** Does the last paragraph of Sec. 4.3, keeping disciplinary authority over teachers with the Regional Director, contravene RA 9155?

**Ruling.** No. The Court agreed that "R.A. No. 9155 does not provide who has disciplinary authority over the teaching personnel of the DepEd." But it held that the paragraph "does not contravene R.A. No. 9155", because "the IRR merely reiterates the DECS Rules of Procedure, DECS Order No. 33, issued on March 30, 1999 by the DepEd Secretary, and R.A. No. 4670". It then stated the rule:

> "A division superintendent of schools is not a disciplining authority over teachers, whether under R.A. No. 4670 or under the DECS Rules of Procedure. In fact, under Section 2, Chapter VII of such Rules of Procedure, a division superintendent is a chairperson of the investigating committee over formal complaints filed against such teachers"

The Court quoted RA 4670, Sec. 9 as the basis of that committee rule. It granted the petition only on a different provision (donations to schools must also be reported to district supervisors) and denied the salary claim. The decision was unanimous; Justice Ynares-Santiago was on leave.

**Why it matters.** The petitioners argued that the power to appoint carries the power to discipline, and the Court upheld the rule they attacked. The superintendent who hires a teacher chairs the committee that hears the case; the Regional Director, or the Secretary, decides it. The Court applied DECS Order No. 33, s. 1999, the rules in force before DepEd revised them in late 2006 (DO 43, then DO 49). DO 49, issued six months after the decision, kept the rule in Sec. 1.

### What *Galicia* means by "the Division School Superintendent"

[*Office of the Ombudsman v. Galicia*](https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/assets/dtSearch/dtSearch_system_files/dtisapi6.dll?cmd=getdoc&DocId=53205&Index=%2a4aeb4dbdcceeda9b59b85ae3fb22cec0), G.R. No. 167711, October 10, 2008 (En Banc), opens: "GENERALLY, the Ombudsman must yield to the Division School Superintendent in the investigation of administrative charges against public school teachers." Its summing-up on jurisdiction begins: "it is the School Superintendent and not the Ombudsman that has jurisdiction over administrative cases against public school teachers." The same paragraph then holds that Galicia, who questioned the Ombudsman only after an adverse decision, was estopped: "The investigation conducted by the Ombudsman was therefore valid." Earlier the Court had said: "We hold here that the Ombudsman's exercise of jurisdiction was proper."

Read alone, the two superintendent lines sound as if the superintendent decides. The decision explains itself: "Section 9 of the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers grants jurisdiction over erring public school teachers to an Investigating Committee headed by the Division School Superintendent," and so "the Ombudsman must yield to this committee of the Division School Superintendent." *Galicia* was about which forum hears the case, the Ombudsman or DepEd. It does not mention the Regional Director or discuss who decides inside DepEd.

So read it as "the DepEd committee chaired by the superintendent", not "the superintendent decides"; the decision belongs to the Regional Director or the Secretary (DO 49, Sec. 1; *PSDSA*). How *Galicia* ended, with the teacher exonerated, is in [Can the Ombudsman Discipline a Principal? RA 4670 Cases](https://nash.com.ph/blog/ombudsman-deped-jurisdiction-principals).

## The RA 4670 committee, and when the superintendent steps aside

RA 4670, Sec. 9 reads:

> "Administrative charges against a teacher shall be heard initially by a committee composed of the corresponding School Superintendent of the Division or a duly authorized representative who should at least have the rank of a division supervisor, where the teacher belongs, as chairman, a representative of the local or, in its absence, any existing provincial or national teacher's organization and a supervisor of the Division, the last two to be designated by the Director of Public Schools. The committee shall submit its findings and recommendations to the Director of Public Schools within thirty days from the termination of the hearings: Provided, however, That where the school superintendent is the complainant or an interested party, all the members of the committee shall be appointed by the Secretary of Education."

DO 49, Sec. 21(a) puts the first sentence into practice. For a teacher respondent, the committee consists of the SDS or an authorized representative "who must have at least the rank of a Division Supervisor" as chair, a teachers' organization representative and a division supervisor, "the last two to be designated by the disciplining authority". The disciplining authority creates the committee "Within five (5) days from receipt of respondent's Answer" (Sec. 21).

The committee hears and recommends; it does not decide. Its report "shall serve only as a guide to the Disciplining Authority, who may or may not adopt the same entirely or partially" (Sec. 41). The disciplining authority decides "within thirty (30) days from receipt of the Report of Investigation" (Sec. 42). The committee works at the formal investigation; the earlier fact-finding or preliminary investigation is done by "investigator(s)" the disciplining authority appoints (Secs. 8(c) and 9(a)).

**The proviso DO 49 leaves out.** Sec. 21(a) stops after the third member. It has nothing like the statute's last clause: where the superintendent "is the complainant or an interested party, all the members of the committee shall be appointed by the Secretary of Education." The omission does not change the law. The proviso is in RA 4670 itself, which has not been amended ([Can the Ombudsman Discipline a Principal?](https://nash.com.ph/blog/ombudsman-deped-jurisdiction-principals) covers the 2026 review group and bill). Neither text defines "interested party".

In practice:

- If the SDS filed the complaint or is an interested party, the Secretary appoints all the members.
- DO 001, s. 2023 has the Undersecretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs sign committee orders for the Secretary (Annex C; see below). It does not mention RA 4670's proviso.
- A respondent who finds the complainant-superintendent, or the superintendent's representative, chairing the committee, or members the Secretary did not appoint, should object in writing at once. [Can the Ombudsman Discipline a Principal?](https://nash.com.ph/blog/ombudsman-deped-jurisdiction-principals) explains why late objections fail.

Sec. 9 also governs a teacher's sexual harassment case: DepEd's child protection order provides that "if the respondent is a teacher, the composition of the Formal Investigating Committee shall be in accordance with Section 9 of R.A. 4670" ([DO 40, s. 2012](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2012/05/14/do-40-s-2012-deped-child-protection-policy/), Sec. 16(E.2)). Its pointer to CSC Resolution No. 01-0940 for the procedure is outdated; the CSC's current rules are the 2025 RACCS, Secs. 16 to 20. See [Sexual Harassment and Child Abuse Complaints in DepEd](https://nash.com.ph/blog/deped-sexual-harassment-child-abuse-complaints).

The hearing itself is in [Formal Investigation and Decision in DepEd Cases](https://nash.com.ph/blog/deped-formal-investigation-decision); why the committee's make-up, including the teachers' organization seat, has decided cases is in [Can the Ombudsman Discipline a Principal? RA 4670 Cases](https://nash.com.ph/blog/ombudsman-deped-jurisdiction-principals).

## Central Office cases and the Undersecretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs

For Central Office personnel and the presidential appointees listed in Sec. 1, the Secretary has "original and exclusive jurisdiction" (DO 49, Sec. 1), and complaints go to "the Legal Division of the Central Office" (Sec. 6). [DO 52, s. 2015](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2015/10/30/do-52-s-2015-new-organizational-structures-of-the-central-regional-and-schools-division-offices-of-the-department-of-education/) elevated that division into the Legal Service, which has an Investigation Division and a Legal Division.

The Secretary may delegate authority (Administrative Code, Book IV, Chapter 2, Sec. 7(8), as cited in the orders below), and has done so for administrative cases:

| Order | Who signs | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| [DO 042, s. 2022](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2022/09/19/september-19-2022-do-042-s-2022-delegation-of-signing-authority-to-the-undersecretary-chief-of-staff/) (September 19, 2022), item 2(e) | The Undersecretary-Chief of Staff | "Decisions and final resolutions on administrative complaints and cases" submitted to the Office of the Secretary |
| [DO 001, s. 2023](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2023/01/10/january-9-2023-do-001-s-2023-revised-designation-of-undersecretaries-and-assistant-secretaries-to-their-strands-and-functional-areas-of-responsibilities-and-revised-signing-authorities/) (January 9, 2023), Annex C, Part III(c) | The Undersecretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs | "Decisions and final resolutions on administrative complaints and cases in the DepEd-CO; Creation of Fact Finding/ Preliminary/Formal Investigation Committees for administrative disciplinary proceedings in DepEd; Issuance of Formal Charge, Preventive Suspension, and other interlocutory orders, processes or issuances arising from or in connection with the foregoing matters." |

DO 001, s. 2023 amends DO 042, s. 2022 (para. 1). Its Annex C restates the signing authorities delegated under DO 042 (para. 6 and note 16) and now gives the administrative-case item to the Undersecretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs; DO 042 provisions survive only where "not conflicting" (para. 7). Three points:

- **It is still in effect.** [DO 015, s. 2024](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2024/10/18/october-18-2024-do-015-s-2024-revised-designation-of-undersecretaries-and-assistant-secretaries-to-the-strands-and-functional-areas-of-responsibilities-and-revised-signing-authorities-on/) (October 18, 2024) amended DO 001, s. 2023 on strand assignments and human resource actions, provided that "all other provisions not covered by this Order shall continue to be in effect", and kept the Legal Service, with its Legal and Investigation Divisions, under the Undersecretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs. DO 019, s. 2024 revised only DO 015's Office of the Secretary section and reporting structure. The other amendments, from December 2024 to February 2026, cover foreign travel and financial matters (DO 017 and DO 018, s. 2024, and amendments to DO 017). No later order changes the administrative-case item.
- **The Secretary keeps the power.** "Nothing in this Order shall preclude the Secretary from signing documents, if necessary in the interest of the service" (DO 001, s. 2023, para. 10).
- **The scope is what the text says.** Decisions are delegated for cases "in the DepEd-CO"; the order does not say whether that includes appeals to the Secretary from Regional Directors.

These orders delegate the Secretary's signing, not the Regional Director's authority over teachers.

## Regional and division legal units

Regional and division lawyers handle investigations (DO 52, s. 2015):

| Office | Function on cases (DO 52, s. 2015) |
|---|---|
| Regional Office Legal Unit | "Handles legal and investigation matters concerning the regional office and its employees, and those delegated by the Central Office" |
| Schools Division Office Legal Services | "Handles legal and investigation matters concerning the schools division office and its employees, including those delegated by the Regional Office". DO 52 notes that the services "need to be provided by the SDO", but the positions are "applicable only to Very Large-, Large- and Medium-sized Schools Divisions" |

Three other orders bear on their work:

- **Hearing officers.** [DO 11, s. 2012](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2012/02/01/do-11-s-2012-authority-and-guidelines-on-the-hiring-of-legal-consultants/) lets a Regional Director and an SDS each hire one legal consultant, who "acts as legal adviser and/or hearing officer to assist in fact-finding and/or formal investigation committees conducting hearings on administrative cases" (Guidelines, items 1 and 3(b)).
- **Supervision of DepEd lawyers.** [DO 021, s. 2025](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2025/07/03/july-3-2025-do-021-s-2025-functional-supervision-of-the-office-of-the-undersecretary-of-legal-and-legislative-affairs-oulla-over-lawyers-of-the-department-of-education-stationed-at-regi/) (July 3, 2025) gives the Undersecretary's office supervision over the "handling of administrative and court cases", among other legal matters, and has regional and division lawyers report functionally to the Undersecretary. It adds: "The Undersecretary of LLA's functional supervision over the lawyers does not diminish the authority of Regional Directors or Schools Division Superintendents over administrative matters" (para. 5).
- **Learner-protection cases.** [DO 006, s. 2026](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2026/03/24/march-24-2026-do-006-s-2026-guidelines-on-ensuring-a-safe-and-motivating-learning-environment-esmle/) (March 24, 2026) tells the regional Legal Unit to "Facilitate investigation, disciplinary action, and implementation of decisions involving personnel" and the Office of the SDS to "Facilitate investigations and disciplinary actions via SDO Legal Unit" (Sec. IX(B)(2)(a) and (C)(1)(c)). Its flowchart sends personnel cases to an "Investigation Stage" under DO 49 "and … other existing issuances on administrative procedures" (Annex A), and it "does not amend or repeal" DO 40, s. 2012 (Sec. III).

### Has the Regional Director's power been delegated to superintendents?

No national DepEd order makes that delegation. The texts above delegate investigative *work*, not the power to decide a teacher's case. If a division office says it decides a teacher's case, ask for the written authority.

## The CSC and the Ombudsman also have jurisdiction

DepEd is not the only body that can hear a charge against a teacher or school head:

- **The CSC.** "The disciplining authorities of agencies shall have original concurrent jurisdiction with the Commission and CSC ROs over their respective officials and employees" (2025 RACCS, Sec. 9). A complaint "may be filed anytime with the Commission or any of the CSC ROs, or with any agency or department" (Sec. 13).
- **The Ombudsman.** The Ombudsman disciplines "all elective and appointive officials of the Government", save impeachable officials, Members of Congress and the Judiciary ([RA 6770](https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1989/ra_6770_1989.html), Sec. 21). "At its option", it "may refer certain complaints to the proper disciplinary authority" (Sec. 23(2)). Its authority over a public school teacher "is not an exclusive power but is concurrent with the proper committee of the DepEd", though the complaint in that case "should have been referred" to DepEd (*Medrano*, 2008).

Which body keeps a case, and why a respondent must object in the first pleading, are digested from the Supreme Court's decisions in [Can the Ombudsman Discipline a Principal? RA 4670 Cases](https://nash.com.ph/blog/ombudsman-deped-jurisdiction-principals); filing with the CSC or the Ombudsman instead is in [How to File an Administrative Complaint in DepEd](https://nash.com.ph/blog/deped-administrative-complaint-filing).

## What a school head can and cannot do

### The steps that belong to the disciplining authority

| Step | Who does it | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Dismiss a complaint outright for no merit or a defect in form | The disciplining authority | DO 49, Sec. 8(a)–(b) |
| Appoint the investigator | The disciplining authority | DO 49, Secs. 8(c) and 9(a) |
| Issue the formal charge | "the Disciplining Authority" | DO 49, Sec. 9(g) |
| Preventively suspend the respondent | "the proper Disciplining Authority" (DO 49); "the proper disciplining authority or its authorized representative" (RACCS) | DO 49, Sec. 15; 2025 RACCS, Sec. 33 |
| Create the formal investigation committee | The disciplining authority | DO 49, Sec. 21 |
| Decide the case | The disciplining authority, within 30 days of the report | DO 49, Sec. 42 |

The periods for these steps, and preventive suspension, are in [DepEd Preliminary Investigation, Formal Charge and Answer](https://nash.com.ph/blog/deped-preliminary-investigation-formal-charge).

**Reassignment in place of preventive suspension.** The two texts word this step differently, on who may order it and on when (the timing is in [DepEd Preliminary Investigation, Formal Charge and Answer](https://nash.com.ph/blog/deped-preliminary-investigation-formal-charge)).

- DO 49, Sec. 17: "In lieu of Preventive Suspension, for the same purpose, the proper disciplining authority or head of office, may reassign respondent to other units of the agency during the formal hearings."
- 2025 RACCS, Sec. 36: "In lieu of a preventive suspension order, the proper disciplining authority or its authorized representative may reassign the respondent to another unit of the agency after the issuance of the formal charge subject to the same periods as provided in the immediately succeeding section."

DepEd's 2026 orders treat both as in force, and no rule or decision says which prevails. If the case reaches the CSC on appeal, the CSC applies the 2025 RACCS. DO 49 does not define "head of office". One act satisfies both texts: an order from the disciplining authority itself. A school head should leave this step to the disciplining authority.

### What the school head does

- **Forwards.** For a child-protection complaint, "The School Head or the Schools Division Superintendent, upon receipt of the Complaint, shall forward the same, within forty-eight (48) hours, to the Disciplining Authority" (DO 40, s. 2012, Sec. 16(A)). If it is not in proper form, the school head "shall immediately inform the complainant of the requirements of a formal complaint" (Sec. 16(B)). Under DO 006, s. 2026, the personnel who prepared an incident report refer it "to the proper Disciplining Authority within 48 hours from its receipt" (Sec. VII(A)(2)(a)). The deadlines are in [What a School Head Does When a Complaint Arrives](https://nash.com.ph/blog/school-head-complaint-steps-deped) and [DepEd Child Protection and Anti-Bullying: School Head Duties](https://nash.com.ph/blog/child-protection-anti-bullying-school-heads).
- **Recommends.** RA 9155 gives the school head "Recommending the staffing complement of the school based on its needs" (Sec. 7(E)(8)). In [*Orcino v. Civil Service Commission*](https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1990/oct1990/gr_92869_1990.html), G.R. No. 92869, October 18, 1990 (En Banc), a principal who recommended moving a teacher to another school was "a purely recommendatory authority". The Court said that if there was abuse, "the Division Superintendent of City Schools who makes all the appointments, transfers, and other personnel action should have been charged and not the Principal"; see [Oppression Cases: How Principals Must Treat Teachers](https://nash.com.ph/blog/principal-oppression-teachers-cases).
- **Files a complaint, as anyone may,** under oath with the Regional Director (DO 49, Secs. 3 and 6).
- **Investigates only when appointed.** The investigator is "an officer(s) of the Department of Education" appointed by "the disciplining authority concerned" (DO 49, Sec. 9(a)).
- **Handles grievances, which are not charges.** A school head may be the first step of the grievance machinery and sits on the School Grievance Committee ([DO 35, s. 2004](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2004/06/03/do-35-s-2004-revision-of-the-grievance-machineries-of-the-department-of-education/), Parts VI and VII). But "A Grievance Committee is not allowed to hear and decide administrative disciplinary cases" (DO 49, Sec. 2). See [DepEd Grievance Machinery: Steps and Time Limits](https://nash.com.ph/blog/deped-grievance-machinery-do-35) and [Grievance or Administrative Case? Where to File](https://nash.com.ph/blog/grievance-or-administrative-case-deped).
- **Keeps the case quiet.** "No publicity shall be given to any disciplinary action being taken against a teacher during the pendency of his case" (RA 4670, Sec. 8; DO 49, Sec. 40).

**Learner discipline is different.** DepEd's 2026 anti-bullying policy template uses the same words for learners: "Disciplining Authority" there "refers to either the teacher, Learner Formation Officer, or Principal or School Head who are tasked to act on the bullying incident" (DO 006, s. 2026, Annex D, Sec. 3(c)). For charges against personnel, the school head is not a disciplining authority.

## What this means for school heads

**When a complaint against a teacher or staff member reaches you:**

1. **Do not decide it, and do not hear it as a grievance.** You cannot reprimand, suspend or clear anyone of a charge (DO 49, Secs. 1, 2 and 42).
2. **Send it to the right authority:** the Regional Director for teachers, including school heads; the SDS for non-teaching staff (Sec. 6). A child-protection complaint goes within 48 hours (DO 40, s. 2012, Sec. 16(A)).
3. **Document the chain:** when you received it, what was attached, and to whom and when you sent it; keep the transmittal receipt and the original school records it refers to.
4. **Keep it confidential.** Share it only with those who must act on it (RA 4670, Sec. 8; DO 49, Sec. 40).
5. **Do not suspend, move or sideline the respondent as a measure in the case.** Preventive suspension is ordered by the disciplining authority (DO 49, Sec. 15; 2025 RACCS, Sec. 33). Reassignment in its place belongs to "the proper disciplining authority or head of office" under DO 49, Sec. 17, a term the order does not define, and to the disciplining authority "or its authorized representative" under the 2025 RACCS, Sec. 36. Leave both steps to the disciplining authority. If a learner or a witness needs protection, report the facts in writing to the disciplining authority and follow the child protection rules for the learner.
6. **Recommend on documented criteria** and leave the decision to the official who makes it (*Orcino*); investigate only under a written appointment.

**When the complaint is against you:**

1. Your disciplining authority is the Regional Director or the Secretary, not the SDS.
2. If the SDS is the complainant or an interested party, raise RA 4670, Sec. 9's proviso in writing as soon as the committee is formed.
3. If the case is before the Ombudsman or the CSC, object to the forum in your first pleading (see [Can the Ombudsman Discipline a Principal? RA 4670 Cases](https://nash.com.ph/blog/ombudsman-deped-jurisdiction-principals)), and get advice from a lawyer or the SDO legal unit early.

See [Human Resource Management for DepEd School Heads](https://nash.com.ph/blog/school-head-human-resource-management) and PPSSH indicator 2.4.1 ([PPSSH Domain 2: Managing School Operations With DepEd Data](https://nash.com.ph/blog/ppssh-domain-2-managing-school-operations)). Knowing a teacher's rights in a case is indicator 4.7.1 ([PPSSH Domain 4: Developing Self and Others With DepEd Data](https://nash.com.ph/blog/ppssh-domain-4-developing-self-and-others)), and keeping school action within the law is indicator 1.3.1 ([PPSSH Domain 1: Leading Strategically With DepEd Data](https://nash.com.ph/blog/ppssh-domain-1-leading-strategically)). See also [RA 9155 Duties of DepEd School Heads](https://nash.com.ph/blog/ra-9155-school-head-duties) and [RA 6713 for DepEd School Heads: Ethics and Internal Control](https://nash.com.ph/blog/school-head-ethics-internal-control).

## How the NASH may test this

The two items below are original practice items, scored 3 (Relational), 2 (Multistructural), 1 (Unistructural) or 0 (Prestructural). An option that breaks a rule scores 0.

### Question 1

*Indicator 2.4.1, Management of staff. Career Stage 1, Situational, Moderate.*

You are the principal of a public elementary school. Teacher J hands you a sworn complaint, with two supporting affidavits, accusing Teacher K of falsifying entries in her daily time record. Teacher J asks you to "decide it this week", since you are Teacher K's immediate supervisor. What is the most appropriate action?

- **A.** Call both teachers to a conference, hear their sides, and issue Teacher K a written reprimand if the entries prove false, since you supervise her attendance.
- **B.** Tell Teacher J that charges against teachers are filed with the Regional Director, and hand the complaint back to her.
- **C.** Forward the complaint and affidavits to the Regional Director, and record the date you received them.
- **D.** Explain that the Regional Director, not the principal, decides charges against teachers; forward the complaint and affidavits to the Regional Director and log the dates; keep the attendance records intact; and keep the matter confidential while Teacher K continues her work.

**Answer and explanation**

**Best answer: D.** Points: A = 0, B = 1, C = 2, D = 3.

- **A (0 points, Prestructural).** It decides a charge and imposes a penalty, which only the disciplining authority may do.
- **B (1 point, Unistructural).** Right office, but the complaint is neither forwarded nor recorded.
- **C (2 points, Multistructural).** Right channel and record, but no explanation, no care for the records, no confidentiality.
- **D (3 points, Relational).** It links who decides to the school head's duties: forward, document, preserve evidence, keep it confidential.

**Why.** This aligns with Career Stage 1 expectations because indicator 2.4.1 asks the aspiring school head to know the laws and issuances on managing school staff. The disciplining authority for teachers is the Regional Director or the Secretary, and complaints against teachers are filed with the Regional Director (DO 49, s. 2006, Secs. 1 and 6). No publicity may be given to the case while it is pending (RA 4670, Sec. 8; DO 49, Sec. 40).

*Indicator 2.4.1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of laws, policies, guidelines and issuances on managing school staff.*

*Sources: DepEd Order No. 49, s. 2006, Secs. 1, 2, 6 and 40; RA 4670, Sec. 8.*

### Question 2

*Indicator 4.7.1, General welfare of human resources. Career Stage 1, Conceptual, Difficult.*

The Schools Division Superintendent filed a sworn complaint for grave misconduct against Principal P. A prima facie case was found, a formal charge was issued, and Principal P elected a formal investigation. Which statement about who hears and decides the case is most accurate?

- **A.** The superintendent decides the case, because the superintendent appointed Principal P and the power to appoint carries the power to discipline.
- **B.** The Regional Director decides the case.
- **C.** The Regional Director decides the case after a formal investigation by a committee that includes a representative of a teachers' organization, as DO 49, Sec. 21(a) requires.
- **D.** The Regional Director, or the Secretary, decides the case on the committee's report; because the superintendent is the complainant, RA 4670, Sec. 9 requires the Secretary of Education to appoint all the committee members, a proviso DO 49, Sec. 21(a) does not repeat.

**Answer and explanation**

**Best answer: D.** Points: A = 0, B = 1, C = 2, D = 3.

- **A (0 points, Prestructural).** This is the argument the Supreme Court did not accept: a division superintendent "is not a disciplining authority over teachers".
- **B (1 point, Unistructural).** Right decision-maker; nothing on the hearing.
- **C (2 points, Multistructural).** It adds the committee but misses the rule for a superintendent-complainant.
- **D (3 points, Relational).** It connects who decides, who hears, and the statutory safeguard.

**Why.** This aligns with Career Stage 1 expectations because indicator 4.7.1 asks the aspiring school head to know the laws on the rights of school personnel. A school head is a "teacher" under RA 4670, Sec. 2, so the Regional Director or the Secretary decides (DO 49, s. 2006, Sec. 1; *Public Schools District Supervisors Association v. De Jesus*, 2006). RA 4670, Sec. 9 provides that "where the school superintendent is the complainant or an interested party, all the members of the committee shall be appointed by the Secretary of Education."

*Indicator 4.7.1: Display knowledge of laws, policies, guidelines and issuances on the rights, privileges and benefits of school personnel to promote their general welfare.*

*Sources: RA 4670, Secs. 2 and 9; DepEd Order No. 49, s. 2006, Secs. 1, 21(a) and 41; Public Schools District Supervisors Association v. De Jesus, G.R. No. 157286, June 16, 2006.*

Nothing in this guide reproduces or predicts examination content.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can a principal suspend or reprimand a teacher?

No. Preventive suspension is ordered by the disciplining authority (DO 49, s. 2006, Sec. 15; 2025 RACCS, Sec. 33), and a reprimand is a penalty in DO 49's table (Sec. 58), imposed by the disciplining authority's decision (Sec. 42). For teachers that is the Regional Director or the Secretary (Sec. 1). DO 49 and the 2025 RACCS both state that "A warning or admonition shall not be considered a penalty" (DO 49, Sec. 64(i); 2025 RACCS, Sec. 73(f)); neither says who may give one. Under the 2025 RACCS, an authorized representative's delegated authority to issue preventive suspension orders "should be in the form of Office/Board Resolution or Order and duly signed by the disciplining authority clearly stating such delegation" (Sec. 33).

### Can the Schools Division Superintendent decide a case against a teacher?

No. The SDS disciplines only non-teaching personnel (RA 9155 Implementing Rules, Rule IV, Sec. 4.3; DO 49, Sec. 1), and "A division superintendent of schools is not a disciplining authority over teachers" (*PSDSA v. De Jesus*, 2006). The SDS, or a representative, chairs the committee that hears a teacher's case; if the SDS is the complainant or an interested party, the Secretary appoints all the members (RA 4670, Sec. 9).

### Who disciplines a principal, head teacher or teacher-in-charge?

The Regional Director or the Secretary, as for any teacher. RA 4670, Sec. 2 counts "all other persons performing supervisory and/or administrative functions" in public schools as teachers, and *Medrano* (2008) applied it to a principal serving as officer-in-charge.

### Who disciplines the Schools Division Superintendent?

The Secretary of Education, who has "original and exclusive jurisdiction" over presidential appointees, including superintendents and regional directors (DO 49, Sec. 1). The President confirms, modifies or disapproves the decision (Secs. 1 and 43).

### Can a complaint against a teacher be filed with the CSC or the Ombudsman instead?

Yes. Agency disciplining authorities share "original concurrent jurisdiction" with the CSC (2025 RACCS, Sec. 9), and a complaint may be filed "anytime with the Commission or any of the CSC ROs" (Sec. 13). The Ombudsman's authority over teachers is concurrent with DepEd's committee, but the Court has said such a complaint "should have been referred" to DepEd (*Medrano*, 2008); see [Can the Ombudsman Discipline a Principal?](https://nash.com.ph/blog/ombudsman-deped-jurisdiction-principals).

## Sources

**Supreme Court decisions**

- [*Public Schools District Supervisors Association v. De Jesus*](https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/assets/dtSearch/dtSearch_system_files/dtisapi6.dll?cmd=getdoc&DocId=49724&Index=%2a4aeb4dbdcceeda9b59b85ae3fb22cec0), G.R. No. 157286, June 16, 2006 (En Banc), Callejo, Sr., J.
- [*Office of the Ombudsman v. Galicia*](https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/assets/dtSearch/dtSearch_system_files/dtisapi6.dll?cmd=getdoc&DocId=53205&Index=%2a4aeb4dbdcceeda9b59b85ae3fb22cec0), G.R. No. 167711, October 10, 2008 (En Banc), Reyes, R.T., J. Digested in the Supreme Court series.
- [*Office of the Ombudsman v. Medrano*](https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2008/oct2008/gr_177580_2008.html), G.R. No. 177580, October 17, 2008 (Second Division). Digested in the Supreme Court series.
- [*Orcino v. Civil Service Commission*](https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1990/oct1990/gr_92869_1990.html), G.R. No. 92869, October 18, 1990 (En Banc). Digested in the Supreme Court series.

**Laws and rules**

- [Republic Act No. 4670](https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1966/ra_4670_1966.html), the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers, June 18, 1966, Secs. 2, 8 and 9.
- [Republic Act No. 9155](https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2001/ra_9155_2001.html), the Governance of Basic Education Act of 2001, August 11, 2001, Sec. 7(C)(3) and 7(E)(8).
- [Republic Act No. 6770](https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1989/ra_6770_1989.html), the Ombudsman Act of 1989, November 17, 1989, Secs. 21 and 23(2).
- [Executive Order No. 292](https://lawphil.net/executive/execord/eo1987/eo_292_1987.html), the Administrative Code of 1987, July 25, 1987, Book V, Title I, Subtitle A, Secs. 47(2), 48(1) and 48(7); Book IV, Chapter 2, Sec. 7(8), as cited in DO 042, s. 2022 and DO 001, s. 2023.
- [2025 Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service](https://csc.gov.ph/phocadownload/userupload/paio/2025_ORAOHRA_AND_RACCS/2025_RACCS_19_September.pdf), CSC Resolution No. 2500357, dated April 30, 2025, in force August 4, 2025, Secs. 4(l), 9, 10, 13, 16–20, 33, 36 and 73(f).

**DepEd issuances**

- [DepEd Order No. 49, s. 2006](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2006/12/12/do-49-s-2006-revised-rules-of-procedure-of-the-department-of-education-in-administrative-cases-amended-by/), Revised Rules of Procedure of the Department of Education in Administrative Cases, December 12, 2006, Secs. 1–3, 6, 8, 9, 15–17, 21, 40–43, 45, 58 and 64(i).
- [DepEd Order No. 1, s. 2003](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2003/01/06/do-1-s-2003-promulgating-the-implementing-rules-and-regulations-irr-of-republic-act-no-9155-otherwise-known-as-the-governance-of-basic-education-act-of-2001/), Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 9155, January 6, 2003, Rule II, Sec. 2.1; Rule III, Sec. 3.3; Rule IV, Sec. 4.3; Rule VI, Sec. 6.2.
- [DepEd Order No. 35, s. 2004](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2004/06/03/do-35-s-2004-revision-of-the-grievance-machineries-of-the-department-of-education/), Revision of the Grievance Machinery of the Department of Education, June 3, 2004, Parts VI and VII.
- [DepEd Order No. 11, s. 2012](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2012/02/01/do-11-s-2012-authority-and-guidelines-on-the-hiring-of-legal-consultants/), Authority and Guidelines on the Hiring of Legal Consultants, February 1, 2012, Guidelines, items 1 and 3(b).
- [DepEd Order No. 40, s. 2012](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2012/05/14/do-40-s-2012-deped-child-protection-policy/), DepEd Child Protection Policy, May 14, 2012, Sec. 16(A), (B) and (E.2).
- [DepEd Order No. 52, s. 2015](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2015/10/30/do-52-s-2015-new-organizational-structures-of-the-central-regional-and-schools-division-offices-of-the-department-of-education/), New Organizational Structures of the Central, Regional, and Schools Division Offices of the Department of Education, October 30, 2015: Central Office Legal Service; Regional Office Legal Unit; Schools Division Office Legal Services.
- [DepEd Order No. 042, s. 2022](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2022/09/19/september-19-2022-do-042-s-2022-delegation-of-signing-authority-to-the-undersecretary-chief-of-staff/), Delegation of Signing Authority to the Undersecretary-Chief of Staff, September 19, 2022, para. 2(e).
- [DepEd Order No. 001, s. 2023](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2023/01/10/january-9-2023-do-001-s-2023-revised-designation-of-undersecretaries-and-assistant-secretaries-to-their-strands-and-functional-areas-of-responsibilities-and-revised-signing-authorities/), Revised Designation of Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries to their Strands and Functional Areas of Responsibilities and Revised Signing Authorities, January 9, 2023, paras. 1, 6, 7 and 10; Annex C, Part III(c).
- [DepEd Order No. 015, s. 2024](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2024/10/18/october-18-2024-do-015-s-2024-revised-designation-of-undersecretaries-and-assistant-secretaries-to-the-strands-and-functional-areas-of-responsibilities-and-revised-signing-authorities-on/), Revised Designation of Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries to the Strands and Functional Areas of Responsibilities and Revised Signing Authorities on Human Resource Actions, October 18, 2024, paras. 1, 5(a)(vii) and 9; Enclosure No. 2.
- [DepEd Order No. 019, s. 2024](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2024/12/21/december-19-2024-do-019-s-2024-amendment-to-deped-order-no-15-s-2024-revised-designation-of-undersecretaries-and-assistant-secretaries-to-the-strands-and-functional-areas-of-responsib/), Amendment to DepEd Order No. 15, s. 2024, December 19, 2024, paras. 2–4.
- Orders amending DO 001, s. 2023, Annex C on other matters, none of which changes the administrative-case item: [DepEd Order No. 017, s. 2024](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2024/12/04/december-4-2024-do-017-s-2024-amendment-to-the-provisions-of-deped-order-no-001-s-2023-on-signing-authorities-for-financial-matters-in-the-department-of-education/) (December 4, 2024); [DepEd Order No. 018, s. 2024](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2024/12/16/december-13-2024-do-018-s-2024-delegation-of-signing-authority-for-foreign-travel/) (December 13, 2024); [DepEd Order No. 001, s. 2025](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2025/01/17/january-17-2025-do-001-s-2025-amendment-to-the-provisions-of-deped-order-no-017-s-2024-on-signing-authorities-for-financial-matters-in-the-department-of-education/) (January 17, 2025); [DepEd Order No. 023, s. 2025](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2025/08/12/august-12-2025-do-023-s-2025-amendment-to-deped-order-no-017-s-2024-amendment-to-the-provisions-of-deped-order-no-001-s-2023-on-signing-authorities-for-financial-matters-in-the-de/) (August 12, 2025); [DepEd Order No. 004, s. 2026](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2026/02/25/february-25-2026-do-004-s-2026-amendment-to-deped-order-no-017-s-2024-amendment-to-the-provisions-of-deped-order-no-001-s-2023-on-signing-authorities-for-financial-matters-in-the-d/) (February 25, 2026).
- [DepEd Order No. 021, s. 2025](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2025/07/03/july-3-2025-do-021-s-2025-functional-supervision-of-the-office-of-the-undersecretary-of-legal-and-legislative-affairs-oulla-over-lawyers-of-the-department-of-education-stationed-at-regi/), Functional Supervision of the Office of the Undersecretary of Legal and Legislative Affairs (OULLA) Over Lawyers of the Department of Education Stationed at Regional and Division Offices, July 3, 2025, paras. 2 and 5.
- [DepEd Order No. 006, s. 2026](https://www.deped.gov.ph/2026/03/24/march-24-2026-do-006-s-2026-guidelines-on-ensuring-a-safe-and-motivating-learning-environment-esmle/), Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment, March 24, 2026, Secs. III, VII(A)(2)(a) and IX(B)(2)(a), (C)(1)(c); Annex A; Annex D, Sec. 3(c).

*This guide explains DepEd and Civil Service Commission rules for study and professional awareness. It is not legal advice; for a specific case, consult a lawyer or your Schools Division Office's legal unit.*

## The administrative cases and grievances series

- [DepEd Administrative Cases and Grievances: DO 49 and DO 35](https://nash.com.ph/blog/deped-administrative-cases-grievances-guide)
- Who Disciplines DepEd Teachers and School Heads? (this post)
- [How to File an Administrative Complaint in DepEd](https://nash.com.ph/blog/deped-administrative-complaint-filing)
- [DepEd Preliminary Investigation, Formal Charge and Answer](https://nash.com.ph/blog/deped-preliminary-investigation-formal-charge)
- [Formal Investigation and Decision in DepEd Cases](https://nash.com.ph/blog/deped-formal-investigation-decision)
- [DepEd Administrative Offenses and Penalties in 2026](https://nash.com.ph/blog/deped-administrative-offenses-penalties)
- [Can a Teacher Be Charged for Unpaid Loans in DepEd?](https://nash.com.ph/blog/teacher-unpaid-loans-just-debts-administrative-case)
- [DepEd Grievance Machinery: Steps and Time Limits](https://nash.com.ph/blog/deped-grievance-machinery-do-35)
- [Grievance or Administrative Case? Where to File](https://nash.com.ph/blog/grievance-or-administrative-case-deped)
- [Sexual Harassment and Child Abuse Complaints in DepEd](https://nash.com.ph/blog/deped-sexual-harassment-child-abuse-complaints)
- [What a School Head Does When a Complaint Arrives](https://nash.com.ph/blog/school-head-complaint-steps-deped)

*Written by Mark Anthony Llego for NASH Reviewer. Sources: DepEd Orders No. 49, s. 2006, No. 1, s. 2003, No. 40, s. 2012, No. 52, s. 2015, No. 001, s. 2023 and No. 021, s. 2025; RA 4670; RA 9155; RA 6770; 2025 RACCS; Supreme Court decisions (E-Library and Lawphil).*

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© 2026 Mark Anthony Llego, NASH Reviewer. All rights reserved. You may quote up to 100 words from this article with the author's name, its title and a link. In research, cite it as: Llego, M. A. (2026, October 31). *Who Disciplines DepEd Teachers and School Heads?*. NASH Reviewer. https://nash.com.ph/blog/deped-disciplining-authority-teachers-school-heads. Any other reuse of the article, its charts or its data needs written permission: email support@nash.com.ph. Terms of Service: https://nash.com.ph/terms#website-content-and-data