Iloilo 1st district Rep. Janette Garin (left), Taguig City 2nd district Rep. Pammy Zamora (Facebook)

Ranking congresswomen have taken it upon themselves to advise their fellow lady official, Vice President Sara Duterte, on the importance importance of leadership and collaboration.

This, as Iloilo 1st district Rep. Janette Garin and Taguig 2nd district Rep. Pammy Zamora react to the Vice President's recent complaints against the Marcos administration, ranging from alleged budget mishandling over at the Department of Education (DepEd) to the Philippine National Police's (PNP) handling of its manpower.

“It’s clear that DepEd has always received the largest budget. If there were problems, they likely came from a lack of direction and a poor system of implementation,” Garin, a House deputy majority leader, said in a statement Saturday, Aug. 10.

“Fingerpointing and blaming others will bring us nowhere. Leadership is all about being captain of the ship,” Garin said.

Vice President Duterte, who recently resigned as DepEd secretary, claimed that despite her efforts to address the problem of budget mishandling during her tenure, she received no support and witnessed no significant changes.

“If there were issues during VP Sarah’s tenure as DepEd secretary, why didn’t she raise them when she had the power to make changes? If there was mismanagement, it’s time to own up to it and work on real solutions, not just criticize from the sidelines,” Garin.

“It’s easy to claim a lack of support after the fact, but real leadership is about taking action and making a difference when it matters, not after you’ve stepped down,” she stressed.

Garin also underscored the importance of accountability. “DepEd had the resources, yet we saw little improvement in key areas like education quality and infrastructure."

For her part, Zamora urged the Vice President to prioritize collaboration over hurling criticisms.

“Vice President Sara Duterte's criticism on issues that range from flood control projects to her reduced security is more polarizing than productive,” Zamora, a House assistant majority leader and "Young Guns" bloc member, said.

"On flood control, let’s not forget that the Dutertes were in full control for six years. How can they be sidelined for crucial infra projects?" she asked.

"On the matter of her security entourage, the PNP Chief [Rommel Marbil] has said she still retains almost 390 security personnel. I doubt anyone would still find that inadequate.”

“All of us in the House are ready to work hand in hand with all officials whose input are productive to the national agenda. Just like what Senate President Escudero said, I also encourage the Vice President to constructively use her position, resources and resources.” Zamora stressed.

Vice President Duterte is the eldest daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte. The latter was in charge in Malacañang from 2016 to 2022.