VP Sara Duterte Issues Statement on Public Outcry Over Education Budget and Flood Control Issues
Vice President Sara Z. Duterte released a statement addressing the growing public frustration over recent governance issues, particularly in education budget allocation and flood control concerns.
She expressed understanding of the Filipino people’s anger, noting that even before the flood control issues gained national attention, she had been actively listening to the complaints of Overseas Filipinos regarding transparency, accountability, peace, and security.
Exposing Mismanagement in the Department of Education Budget
VP Duterte highlighted how the House of Representatives allegedly manipulated the Department of Education’s (DepEd) budget, diverting funds meant to address classroom shortages and instead treating them as political allocations for a select few.
“Instead of following DepEd’s prioritized list to address severe classroom deficiencies, the budget was seemingly turned into pork barrel funds for congressmen close to the powerful,” she explained.
She emphasized that she chose not to participate in actions that would deceive the public, taking responsibility and facing attacks—including impeachment threats—when she resigned as DepEd Secretary, all to expose the corruption embedded in the 2025 budget.
A Call for Government Accountability
VP Duterte criticized the handling of ongoing corruption investigations, noting a lack of direction and resolve. She demanded clear answers regarding how a budget that deprived Filipinos of billions of pesos could be approved without accountability under the current administration.
She stood with the millions of Filipinos disappointed and disillusioned by a government steeped in insecurity and unchecked greed.
A Peaceful Call for Transparency
The upcoming INC-led protest is expected to bring together thousands of participants from different sectors. Their collective goal is to push for transparency, good governance, and responsiveness to the issues that affect ordinary Filipinos.
Though not officially scheduled to speak at the event, the Vice President said she supports the intention behind the movement—to give the public space to voice their concerns peacefully and responsibly.
Defending Democratic Rights
VP Duterte reminded the nation that the right to speak and express oneself is the cornerstone of democracy, and it must be respected by the government—not ignored or dismissed.
Her statement concluded with a firm call for better governance:
“We Filipinos deserve better.”