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What happens when government “confidential funds” are finally explained after years of speculation? That’s exactly what unfolded when Vice President Sara Duterte revealed how the Department of Education (DepEd) confidential funds were used. The disclosure touched on corruption probes, overpriced laptops, and the challenges of accountability in one of the Philippines’ largest agencies. What Were the DepEd Confidential Funds For? According to Duterte, the P112.5 million confidential funds allocated to DepEd in 2023 were used to investigate corruption inside the agency. She explained that reports of irregularities came not only from the central office but also from regional branches. One major focus was the controversial P2.9-billion laptop deal , which had been flagged by the Commission on Audit (COA) for being overpriced and outdated. The laptops, purchased during the height of the pandemic, were reportedly valued at ₱58,300 each —far higher than market prices at the time. The Laptop C...

Politics in the Philippines is rarely quiet, but the latest exchange between Malacañang and Vice President Sara Duterte has stirred even more noise. The Palace accused her of running the Department of Education (DepEd) for personal interests , sparking a heated back-and-forth that blends governance, education, and political rivalry. What Sparked the Controversy? The tension began when Duterte criticized President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s leadership, suggesting his directives were unclear. In response, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro fired back, saying Duterte’s actions as DepEd secretary were guided more by self-interest than by national priorities. Among the issues raised: “Ghost students” allegedly appearing in DepEd records. Spoiled or moldy meals distributed in a school feeding program. A leadership style that, according to the Palace, often went against the President’s directives. Castro argued that true leadership requires listening and aligning with broader goals, not pursui...

When laptops meant for teachers end up making headlines for all the wrong reasons, you know something’s off. That’s exactly what happened with the DepEd laptop scandal , and now Vice President Sara Duterte has added a new twist: she says former lawmaker Zaldy Co was linked to the controversial deal. The Laptop Deal That Sparked Outrage The Department of Education (DepEd) rolled out a laptop procurement program during the pandemic. The goal was simple—equip teachers for online learning. But the results? Not so simple. The laptops were overpriced compared to market rates. They were underpowered , leaving many teachers frustrated. The contractor, Sunwest , was later flagged for possible political connections. Instead of empowering educators, the deal became a symbol of wasted funds and questionable decisions. Duterte’s Revelation In a press briefing, Duterte revealed that she used confidential funds while serving as Education Secretary to investigate the case. She claimed her office tr...