Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre denounced Wednesday the undisclosed cash allowances distributed to Department of Education (DepEd) officials during the tenure of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Acidre was reacting to what was uncovered during Tuesday’s congressional hearing where DepEd Chief Accountant Ma. Rhunna Catalan revealed having received cash envelopes on several occasions last year, totaling P25,000, without any formal documentation or budget allocation.
These funds, characterized as “allowances” from the Vice President’s office, directly contradict the agency’s established “no gift policy.” Acidre expressed his concern over this troubling contradiction.
“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. 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,” he said.
Catalan’s testimony intensified House lawmakers’ scrutiny of financial practices within DepEd.
Acidre noted “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,” the party-list lawmaker underscored.
As the investigation into DepEd’s financial practices continues, Acidre emphasized the importance of accountability.
“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,” Acidre said.
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