Former Lawmaker Challenges VP Sara Duterte’s Claims of Delivering Results
Former ACT Teachers Representative France Castro sharply questioned Vice President Sara Duterte’s assertion of delivering results during her time as education secretary. Castro emphasized that Duterte’s leadership in the Department of Education was marked not by success but by controversies, anomalies, and a deepening crisis in the education system.
Castro, known as one of Duterte’s most vocal critics in the previous 19th Congress, highlighted the vice president’s controversial use of the P612.5 million confidential funds allocated to her office and the Department of Education. Sources familiar with the matter noted that these funds raised serious concerns among lawmakers.
Claims of Results Met With Criticism and Allegations
In an interview conducted in The Hague, Netherlands, Duterte stated that President Marcos had urged her to reconsider her resignation as education secretary, praising her for delivering results. However, Castro dismissed these claims, labeling Duterte’s tenure as riddled with “massive corruption and mismanagement,” according to local leaders.
Duterte herself has criticized the Philippine education system for lagging behind other countries in modernization efforts. Yet, community members argue that her leadership failed to address these challenges effectively.
Controversies Surrounding Confidential Fund Usage
Castro recalled the intense scrutiny during House hearings over Duterte’s expenditure of secret funds. Instead of clarifying the expenses, Duterte reportedly presented questionable receipts, accused critics of political persecution, and reacted dramatically during the sessions. Officials reported that she even threatened the president during a live stream, raising concerns about her leadership style.
Further criticism arose when Duterte requested P10 million for the publication of her children’s book, “Isang Kaibigan (A Friend),” even as the Office of the Vice President faced intense budget deliberations in the Senate.
Audit Reports Expose Financial Irregularities and Operational Failures
The Commission on Audit flagged the Department of Education for unresolved transactions amounting to P12.3 billion during Duterte’s tenure. Additionally, the Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department highlighted a low utilization rate for textbook production. Persistent classroom backlogs nationwide further exacerbated the education crisis, officials noted.
“These are not the marks of a department delivering results. These are marks of historic corruption and incompetence,” Castro asserted.
Demand for Transparency and Accountability
Castro urged Duterte to provide clear evidence of her claimed achievements. “If you indeed delivered results, show it,” she said. “But the truth is, all you left in DepEd were scandals and anomalies.”
The debate continues to stir strong emotions among educators, lawmakers, and citizens concerned about the future of the Philippine education system.
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