DAVAO CITY – Vice President Sara Duterte explained her resignation on Wednesday, June 19, as Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd) and National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) vice chairman.
DUTERTE (FB)
“Earlier today, June 19, 2024, I sought an audience with the President and tendered my resignation,” Duterte said in a statement.
Duterte said she gave 30 days’ notice to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure the proper and orderly transition for the next DepEd Secretary.
She said her resignation effective July 19 is not a sign of weakness but was borne out of genuine concern for teachers and the Filipino youth.
Duterte added that though she will no longer lead the department, she will continue to uphold the quality of education that the Filipino people deserve.
However, she remained lipped-tight about the reason behind her resignation but said she said she will continue to serve as Vice President.
The Vice President resigned from the Cabinet following a year marked by escalating political conflicts between the Marcos and Duterte families.
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said Duterte went to Malacañang and tendered her resignation.
Duterte saw a decline in public approval in the second half of 2023, following a controversy sparked by her request for P650 million in confidential funds, which led to a heated exchange with opposition lawmakers and progressive groups.
In the 2022 elections, the Marcos and Duterte families joined forces, helping each other to achieve the country’s top positions.
Marcos appointed Duterte as Education Secretary upon their assumption to office on June 30, 2022.
Duterte graced an occasion on Wednesday morning here before her resignation.