Manila: Malaca±ang on Thursday accused Vice President Sara Duterte of pursuing personal interests during her time as Department of Education (DepEd) secretary, stating that her actions were not aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directives. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized that Duterte’s decisions prioritized self-interest over national priorities, challenging her claims of unclear leadership from Marcos.
According to Philippines News Agency, Castro criticized Duterte for not understanding the President’s directives, accusing her of crafting strategies for personal interests rather than listening to national directives. Castro highlighted alleged irregularities under Duterte’s leadership at DepEd, including the ‘ghost students’ scheme and the distribution of spoiled or moldy meals in a school feeding program.
Castro stated, ‘Hindi talaga niya malalaman ang direktiba ng Pangulo kung hindi siya marunong makinig at nagsasarili ng diskarte para sa pansariling interest (She cannot be aware of the President’s directives if she does not know how to listen and instead pursues strategies for personal interests).’ The allegations followed Duterte’s criticism of the administration, including claims of unclear directives from Marcos.
Additionally, Duterte questioned the President’s confidence in remaining uninvolved in the ongoing flood control anomalies, urging caution as inquiries continue. In response, Castro defended Marcos, asserting that his confidence is rooted in integrity. Castro said, ‘Magiging confident ang isang tao kapag alam niya na ang ginagawa niya ay para sa bayan at hindi pansarili lamang tulad ng iba dyan.’Yan ang ating Pangulo, matapang at taas noo sa mga sinasabi (A person becomes confident when he knows his actions are for the nation and not for personal gain, unlike others.That is our President – courageous and upright).’
