In defense of education, House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Party-list Representative France Castro demands deeper and comprehensive investigations into reported anomalies during Vice President Sara Duterte’s term as Department of Education (DepEd) secretary.
Following testimonies by DepEd officials at the House of Representatives officials regarding the distribution of cash envelopes and questionable utilization of confidential funds by Duterte, Rep. Castro said the revelations are “deeply troubling,” needing thorough investigations.
Rep. Castro remarked, “Such practices, if true, constitute a serious breach of public trust and must be addressed with utmost urgency.”
Rep. Castro said the revelations worsen education’s “significant issues” that include perennial shortage of classrooms.
“Instead of addressing these challenges, the alleged corruption further undermines the quality of education that Filipino students deserve,” the senate aspirant said.
“It is crucial to uphold integrity and transparency in our education system, which is fundamental to the development of our youth,” she added.
Rep. Castro called on her fellow lawmakers to support the investigation.
“We must unite in demanding accountability and ensuring that the resources meant for education are used appropriately and transparently. Our educators, students, and the Filipino people deserve nothing less,” she said.
Sara challenged to stop diversionary tactics
Fellow Makabayan and Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Arlene Brosas meanwhile called on Duterte to stop her “diversionary tactics,” saying reports of corruption should not be replied to with soap operas.
Appalled by Duterte’s latest press conference where she blamed ally-turned-enemy President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for her troubles, Rep. Brosas said the vice president is employing diversionary tactics amidst allegations of corruption.
In her latest press conference, Duterte threatened to exhume exhume dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s remains and dump it in the West Philippine Sea.
“This is merely a deliberate attempt to shift public attention through a tell-all interview on her relationship with the Marcos family—a narrative that serves no purpose in addressing the pressing issues at hand,” Rep. Brosas said.
“Hindi ito Maalaala Mo Kaya episode,” Rep. Brosas added, citing the long-running ABS-CBN drama anthology.
Rep. Brosas said Duterte’s reluctance to face corruption allegations head-on, coupled with her theatrics, is a desperate bid to save face.
“We demand transparency and accountability from our leaders, especially in light of the severe implications of corruption that manifest in widespread poverty, hunger, and economic crisis affecting Filipinos every day,” Rep. Brosas said.
“’Wag na maghugas kamay, dahil pare-pareho lang naman kayo. (Enough with your washing of hands, because you are one and the same.) The Marcos and Duterte political dynasties have consistently prioritized their self-interests over the genuine demands and aspirations of the people,” Rep. Brosas, also a senate aspirant, added. # (Raymund B. Villanueva)
