Education workers slam PBBM over 'hasty' enactment of Maharlika law
A group of education workers on Tuesday, July 18, vehemently condemned the “bold” move of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to sign into law the creation of the controversial Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF).
(President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. / File Photo / MANILA BULLETIN)
“We firmly believe that this decision undermines transparency, accountability, and democratic values that the Filipino people have long fought for,” the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) said. ACT slammed Marcos for signing the Maharlika law despite “widespread rejection” from the Filipino people. The group added that the action of Marcos “ignored the grave concerns raised regarding the potential for corruption and mismanagement inherent in the establishment of this sovereign wealth fund.” ACT, representing thousands of teachers and education workers across the country, also stood in solidarity with citizens in expressing “profound disappointment” and concern over the “hasty enactment” of the MIF law. The group argued that the MIF's creation raises “significant doubts” about the government's commitment to the welfare of the Filipino people. “At a time when the nation faces numerous pressing challenges such as economic instability and educational crisis and shortages, it is disheartening to witness the government allocating resources to a fund that has been met with public distrust,” ACT said. The group pointed out that the “lack of transparency” surrounding the MIF raises red flags about potential corruption and mismanagement. “The Filipino people deserve a government that operates with utmost accountability and adheres to ethical practices in managing public funds,” ACT added.
(President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. / File Photo / MANILA BULLETIN)
“We firmly believe that this decision undermines transparency, accountability, and democratic values that the Filipino people have long fought for,” the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) said. ACT slammed Marcos for signing the Maharlika law despite “widespread rejection” from the Filipino people. The group added that the action of Marcos “ignored the grave concerns raised regarding the potential for corruption and mismanagement inherent in the establishment of this sovereign wealth fund.” ACT, representing thousands of teachers and education workers across the country, also stood in solidarity with citizens in expressing “profound disappointment” and concern over the “hasty enactment” of the MIF law. The group argued that the MIF's creation raises “significant doubts” about the government's commitment to the welfare of the Filipino people. “At a time when the nation faces numerous pressing challenges such as economic instability and educational crisis and shortages, it is disheartening to witness the government allocating resources to a fund that has been met with public distrust,” ACT said. The group pointed out that the “lack of transparency” surrounding the MIF raises red flags about potential corruption and mismanagement. “The Filipino people deserve a government that operates with utmost accountability and adheres to ethical practices in managing public funds,” ACT added.
Reassess priorities
Following this, ACT called on the government to prioritize the pressing needs of the Filipino people over “questionable” financial ventures. “Our citizens require immediate attention and comprehensive solutions to critical issues such as access to quality education, healthcare, employment opportunities, and poverty alleviation,” ACT said. Given this, ACT urged the government to reassess its priorities and redirect its focus to addressing the economic and education crises. The government, ACT added, should also engage in “meaningful” dialogues with all sectors to ensure that policies and programs align with the “genuine needs and aspirations” of the Filipino people. READ: [https://mb.com.ph/2023/7/18/marcos-signs-controversial-maharlika-investment-fund-into-law](https://mb.com.ph/2023/7/18/marcos-signs-controversial-maharlika-investment-fund-into-law)