DepEd fund ‘irregularity’ under Sara Duterte needs full probe – Castro

MANILA, Philippines — An exhaustive probe into alleged improper use of Department of Education (DepEd) funds under Vice President Sara Duterte must be conducted, ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro said Sunday.

Castro said  that “allegations of cash gifts and misuse of funds at DepEd are deeply troubling.”

“It is crucial to uphold integrity and transparency in our education system, which is fundamental to the development of our youth,” the teachers’ representative in Congress said.

READ: DepEd execs report receiving ‘cash envelopes’ from VP Sara Duterte

“The revelations by DepEd officials about receiving cash envelopes from high-ranking officials are alarming. Such practices, if true, constitute a serious breach of public trust and must be addressed with utmost urgency,” she added.

During the October 17 hearing of the House committee on good government and public accountability, DepEd officials told lawmakers about the distribution of cash envelopes and questionable utilization of agency funds under Duterte, who served as education chief until her resignation last June 19.

READ: DepEd under Duterte makes it seem it’s funding AFP training – solon

Castro lamented the revelations and discoveries regarding DepEd’s funds, pointing out that the alleged corruption in the agency under Duterte “further undermines the quality of education that Filipino students deserve.”

“The education sector is already grappling with significant issues, including the perennial shortage of classrooms. 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.