Vice President Sara Duterte Faces Backlash on Critical Thinking Call
Vice President Sara Duterte recently urged teachers to cultivate critical thinking among students, emphasizing the need for this skill in the age of social media and rampant misinformation. However, the call for critical thinking sparked strong reactions from the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), who argued that Duterte has “no moral right” to make such a demand.
ACT Chair Vladimer Quetua criticized Duterte’s message during National Teachers’ Month, labeling it as “hypocrisy” given her controversial record during her tenure as education secretary. Community members pointed out that her leadership was marked by ongoing problems in the education sector.
Education Crisis Deepens Under Duterte’s Leadership
Quetua highlighted that Vice President Sara Duterte’s two-year stint at the Department of Education (DepEd) was plagued by persistent issues such as classroom shortages, lack of textbooks, and unpaid benefits for educators. Officials reported that budget mismanagement further worsened the situation, leaving many teachers and students struggling.
“There’s no one who is more thick-faced than Sara Duterte to speak about critical thinking and advancing democracy, while she herself led the Red-tagging, suppression, deception and even worsening the education crisis,” Quetua stated. This view was echoed by local leaders who recalled the militarization of the education department and the controversial policies she implemented.
Controversies and Red-Tagging Shadow Duterte’s Tenure
During her time as education secretary, Duterte’s relationship with ACT and other advocacy groups was strained. Sources said her administration was marked by Red-tagging of teachers and activists, as well as attempts to introduce mandatory Reserved Officers Training Corps (ROTC) in schools, which faced strong opposition.
Quetua also pointed out that the Duterte family’s influence extended beyond the education sector. He noted the former president Rodrigo Duterte’s role in building and weaponizing the country’s disinformation machinery, which has had lasting effects on public discourse and trust.
Calls for Genuine Support to Teachers and Education
While Vice President Sara Duterte’s message encouraged educators to sharpen students’ critical thinking skills, many believe her past actions undermine this appeal. “There is no place for empty rhetoric from an official who carries the burden in worsening the education sector’s problems and allowing teachers to suffer,” Quetua added.
Community members and education advocates continue to demand genuine reforms and support for teachers, emphasizing that critical thinking skills must be fostered in an environment free from fear, misinformation, and neglect.
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