The Department of Education (DepEd) on Saturday belied claims that its newly-issued memorandum order was intended to target and profile public school teachers who are affliated with the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Union.

“The allegation that the memorandum was intended to profile the members of ACT Union as part of a supposed government anti-insurgency campaign is patently absurd, distorted, and followed no logic,” it said in a statement.

DepEd earlier issued an internal memorandum instructing regional directors and school division superintendents to identify ACT-affiliated public school teachers who are enrolled in the DepEd's Automatic Payroll Deduction System (APDS).

In its defense, the education department said the listing order is just part of its efforts in consolidating APDS availees.

“This is especially relevant amidst the regular complaints from employees over inaccurate, questionable, and unwarranted salary deductions for loan remittances and membership dues,” DepEd pointed out.

It added that looking into the complaints of its employees is “well-within its authority and even incumbent.”

DepEd said apart from ACT Union, it has also crafted a separate memorandum seeking for a list of members of other unions, organizations, and associations of teaching and non-teaching personnel who are availing the APDS.