Vice President Sara Duterte (left), Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre (MANILA BULLETIN)

House Deputy Majority Leader Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre has called out Vice President Sara Duterte for allegedly contradicting her "no gift policy" during her tenure as Department of Education (DepEd) secretary.

This, as yet another DepEd official told solons that she had received cash envelopes from Duterte’s office.

“In public service, policies like the ‘no gift policy’ are meant to uphold integrity, accountability, and transparency. However, when leadership’s actions contradict these principles, it sends a damaging message," Acidre said in a statement Wednesday, Nov. 6.

During Tuesday's hearing of the Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, DepEd Chief Accountant Ma. Rhunna Catalan claimed that she received cash envelopes on several occasions last year, totaling P25,000, without any formal documentation or budget allocation. 

These funds, described as “allowances” by the Vice President’s office, directly contradicted the agency's established “no gift policy", Acidre said.

There are least three other past and present DepEd officials who received cash envelopes under Duterte, as per the investigation of the good government panel. Duterte served as DepEd secretary from June 30, 2023 to July 19, 2024.

"While VP Duterte’s directive to enforce this policy was commendable, the revelation of cash gifts given without oversight raises serious questions about both consistency and ethical standards,” Acidre.

Catalan’s testimony has intensified scrutiny of financial practices within DepEd. 

"Such actions, if allowed to persist, create confusion among personnel and lead to skepticism about the sincerity of established policies. Trust is crucial for unity and effectiveness within any department. The stark inconsistency between what is preached and what is practiced undermines not only the policy itself but also the credibility of leadership,” said the ranking congressman. 

Acidre underscored the importance of accountability as the investigation into DepEd’s financial practices moved forward. 

“Public funds belong to the public, and as stewards of these resources, DepEd’s leaders must be above reproach. Congress will persist in seeking answers because ethical governance is not a courtesy—it’s an obligation," he said.