The situation regarding Sara Duterte and the confidential and intelligence funding linked to her role is quite confusing. Under Vice President Sara Duterte, the Department of Education (DepEd) has received a substantial amount of confidential funds, leading to questions about whether the department genuinely requires such resources. Duterte has claimed that these funds will be used for “surveillance and intelligence.” This raises concerns, as it is essential for schools to prioritize learning and education, which does not seem to align with her stated intentions.
Surveillance and intelligence typically involve monitoring individuals and their activities, roles often associated with law enforcement or the military. Many people are questioning whether she is taking on a role similar to that of the police or if she plans to monitor teachers and students in some capacity. Both scenarios are concerning, and many believe it is inappropriate for her to have access to such funds.
On December 11, Vice President Duterte avoided questions from lawmakers about several controversial receipts related to her use of funds, explaining that revealing too much could compromise intelligence operations.
Upon her election, she made it clear that she wanted to lead the Department of National Defense. However, President Marcos Jr. appointed her to the Department of Education instead. This decision invites us to consider whether she has blurred the lines of her responsibilities. While this may seem improbable, it is important to recognize that overseeing “surveillance and intelligence” is NOT an appropriate function for the Department of Education.
