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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Unacceptable': Group slams delay of VP Sara Duterte's impeachment trial amid education crisis

'Unacceptable': Group slams delay of VP Sara Duterte's impeachment trial amid education crisis

Published May 30, 2025 09:27 pm
Vice President and former DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte (ALI VICOY / MANILA BULLETIN / FILE PHOTO)
Vice President and former DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte (ALI VICOY / MANILA BULLETIN / FILE PHOTO)
A progressive group of education workers on Friday, May 30, slammed the delay in impeachment proceedings against Vice President and former Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sara Duterte —  calling the move “unacceptable” amid what they describe as a worsening education crisis in the country.
The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), in a statement, strongly condemned Senate President Francis Escudero's announcement to postpone Duterte’s impeachment trial.
Not a ‘small amount’ of money
The group emphasized that the P125 million in confidential funds allegedly misused by Duterte is “not insignificant” — especially when the education sector faces severe shortages.
“P125 million ay hindi maliit na pera (P125 million is not a small amount of money),” said ACT Chairperson Vladimer Quetua.
ACT also raised “serious doubts” about the Senate's commitment to justice and accountability, noting that the postponement of Duterte’s impeachment trial is a “grave disservice” to the Filipino people who demand transparency from their public officials.
“The seven grounds for impeachment filed in the Senate last February involve serious allegations that cannot be swept under the rug through procedural delays,” he added.
‘Grim picture’ of upcoming school opening
Quetua pointed out that public schools urgently need a substantial budget to prepare for the opening of classes due to persistent backlogs and shortages.
Citing data from the DepEd, he noted that public schools lack 165,000 classrooms and 150,000 teachers to meet the ideal 1:35 teacher-student ratio. There are also shortages in learning materials, clinic facilities, and guidance counselors.
Quetua painted a “grim picture” of the upcoming school year, with students expected to bring their own chairs and electric fans — and some classes being held under trees or in basketball courts.
“This is the reality, while public funds that could address these problems are allegedly being misused,” he said.
Prioritize impeachment proceedings
ACT urged the Senate to expedite the impeachment process, stressing the importance of holding public officials accountable for the misuse of taxpayer money — especially when those resources could have been used to address the worsening education crisis.
Quetua emphasized that the delay in Duterte’s impeachment trial constitutes a denial of justice for Filipino taxpayers.
“Justice delayed is justice denied,” Quetua said. “We need accountability and justice in the impeachment process, not political maneuvering that protects the corrupt,” he added.

Related Tags

Sara Duterte impeachment VP Sara Duterte controversy Sara Duterte confidential funds DepEd corruption allegations education crisis Philippines Sara Duterte P125 million issue public school shortages Philippines
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