VP Sara Duterte Addresses Alleged Efforts to Undermine Her Reputation
SARA DUTERTE – The Vice President spoke out about ongoing attempts to harm her reputation, specifically targeting the use of unreliable witnesses in political discussions.
In a statement released on September 26, 2024, she called on lawmakers to stop relying on witnesses with questionable motives, pointing to former Department of Education (DepEd) Undersecretary Gloria Mercado as a prime example.
Duterte criticized Mercado, who was removed from her job and is now allegedly involved in political plots against her. She emphasized that Congress seems to support Mercado’s claims while ignoring the former undersecretary’s admitted bitterness after leaving her position. Duterte listed reasons for Mercado’s removal, including a request for P16 million from a private company, which she called illegal, and a push for a specific person in Region VII to be given a teaching job while also being named an Executive Assistant at the DepEd Central Office.
Duterte mentioned supporting documents, including minutes from Teacher Education Council meetings, showing that Mercado had purposely delayed appointments within the agency. She also said that Mercado is known for trying to harm her coworkers and has attempted to discredit several high-ranking officials at DepEd, including three against Duterte herself.
The Vice President expressed concern that highlighting such witnesses could hurt innocent employees within DepEd and their families, calling for more careful handling of testimonies in political matters. This statement came after Mercado’s claims during a House Committee hearing, where she said she was pressured to resign after refusing a proposal related to the agency’s computer program. Mercado also claimed she received envelopes containing P50,000 each from a former assistant secretary, saying they were connected to Duterte.
Duterte strongly denied these claims, reaffirming her commitment to openness and accountability in government while urging lawmakers to base their decisions on credible evidence rather than sensational claims.
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