ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro (PPAB)

ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro is urging Congress to pursue a “comprehensive” investigation into the alleged anomalies within the Department of Education (DepEd) during Vice President Sara Duterte’s tenure as agency secretary.

Castro, in a statement on Sunday, Oct. 20, said such probe should follow the shocking testimonies from DepEd officials pertaining to the alleged distribution of “cash envelopes” and the questionable utilization of confidential funds.

"The allegations of cash gifts and misuse of funds at DepEd are deeply troubling and demand a thorough investigation,” she said.

During last Thursday’s House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability hearing, DepEd Director and former Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) chairman Resty Osias revealed that he had received envelopes containing P12,000 to P15,000 cash on four separate occasions in 2023.

Osias’ revelation corroborates an earlier testimony from former DepEd undersecretary Gloria Jumamil-Mercado who said she received several envelopes containing P50,000 each.

According to Osias, he thought the issuance of cash envelopes in the department was a “common practice”.

Vice President Duterte was the DepEd secretary from June 30, 2022 to July 19, 2024.

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“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,” said Castro.

Lawmakers are currently scrutinizing Duterte’s tenure at DepEd over several alleged irregularities, including the supposed misuse of confidential funds.

Some congressmen had raised concerns over transparency as the funds were reported to have been misrepresented and not used as intended.

Castro stressed that the alleged corruption under the Duterte-led DepEd further “undermined” the quality of education that Filipino students deserved.

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

Castro, a deputy minority leader, also urged her fellow lawmakers to support her call for an investigation.

"We must unite in demanding accountability and ensuring that the resources meant for education are used appropriately and transparently,” she said.

“Our educators, students, and the Filipino people deserve nothing less," she added.

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