VP Duterte’s remark on truth-telling is ‘ironic, hollow’ – Castro

Vice President Sara Duterte | PHOTO: Official Facebook page of Inday Sara Duterte

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Vice President Sara Duterte’s remark on truth-telling is “ironic” and “hollow,” Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) party-list Rep. France Castro said on Tuesday.

Castro was referring to Duterte’s opening remarks during the National Press Conference (NSPC) in Carcar City, Cebu on Monday. The Vice President told students, “Never print, post, or circulate something that you know is not the truth.”

READ: VP Duterte to NSPC attendees: ‘Never print something that is not truth’

“It’s ironic that VP Sara Duterte is now lecturing students about not printing or circulating false information when she herself has been engaged in red-tagging and spreading fake news,” Castro said.

“How can VP Duterte tell students to ‘never print, post or circulate something that you know is not the truth’ when she has been at the forefront of spreading disinformation through red-tagging? This double standard is alarming and sets a dangerous precedent for our youth,” she added.

The House Minority Leader also pointed out that it was “hypocrisy” as the Vice President claimed in 2019 that “everybody lies” after the senatorial bets of the opposition accused the candidates of the Duterte administration of telling lies.

READ: As poll bets trade barbs, Sara Duterte says ‘Everybody lies’

“[The] words ring hollow coming from someone who has actively participated in damaging the reputation of progressive organizations and individuals through baseless accusations and red-tagging,” Castro added.

The teachers’ group earlier urged the Commission on Human Rights to denounce Duterte’s claims that they are associated with communist rebels.

READ: Teachers’ group: Censure VP Sara over ‘Red-tagging’

Castro pointed out that public servants must lead by example with honesty and truthfulness for their students to follow.

“As VP Duterte prepares to step down from her post as Education Secretary, we hope she reflects on her own actions and the impact of her words. Our students and our nation deserve leaders who not only speak about the importance of truth but also consistently practice it in their public service.”