Public school teachers are rallying behind calls for the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, citing troubling allegations of corruption during her tenure as vice president and former education secretary. The accusations surfaced during congressional hearings, revealing alleged misuse of confidential funds totaling P612.5 million.
The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) criticized Duterte’s recent public statements as distractions from serious accountability issues. “We support the call for impeachment and demand Congress abolish all confidential funds that have become a breeding ground for corruption,” said ACT chairman Vladimer Quetua. He also urged lawmakers to redirect resources to education and essential social services.
Another group, the Congress of Teachers and Educators for Nationalism and Democracy (CONTEND), condemned Duterte’s recent controversial remarks and called for her to be held accountable for alleged falsified reports, COA regulation violations, and bribery within the Department of Education (DepEd).
The House committee on good government and public accountability, led by Rep. Joel Chua, has identified potential grounds for impeachment, including corruption and betrayal of public trust. Chua revealed that the investigation uncovered questionable expenses, such as P15 million spent on a youth summit in 11 days and a P1 million-per-day safehouse rental. The committee also flagged discrepancies involving acknowledgment receipt signatories with fictitious names.
Duterte has yet to address the allegations comprehensively. Meanwhile, Chua emphasized that the committee’s investigation aims to strengthen legislation, proposing that confidential funds be limited to agencies focused on intelligence work. The committee’s final findings are expected soon.
