Metro Manila, Philippines – Vice President Sara Duterte urged lawmakers on Thursday to refrain from inviting “not credible” witnesses amid claims from a former education official who supposedly received multiple envelopes with cash.
In a statement, Duterte said former Undersecretary Gloria Mercado is part of a “political machinery” against her.“Nais ng Kongreso na paniwalaan ng mga Pilipino si Mercado at kalimutan na umamin itong masama ang kanyang loob nang mawala sa pwesto,” she said. “Sana ay pag-isipan ng Kongreso na ang walang pakundangang pagtatampok ng mga testigo laban sa akin ay maaaring sumira sa buhay at kinabukasan ng mga inosenteng empleyado sa DepEd at kanilang mga pamilya,” Duterte added.[Translation: The Congress wants Filipinos to believe Mercado and forget that she admitted to feeling resentful after losing her position. I hope the House considers that the reckless spotlight on witnesses against me could ruin the lives and futures of innocent DepEd employees and their families]
Mercado faced the House committee on good government and public accountability on Wednesday, Sept. 25, claiming that she received nine envelopes containing P50,000 when she was head of procurement.
READ: Ex-DepEd official bares extra money
She said it was given to her monthly by Assistant Secretary Sunshine Fajarda following orders from Duterte. Mercado said it “could be” a move to influence her decision on procurement at the time.
Duterte earlier denied the allegation, saying Mercado was a “disgruntled” employee who supposedly solicited P16 million from a company using her name without authorization. Mercado refuted the claims.The vice president also said Mercado granted an individual a teaching item and appointed them as an executive assistant at the DepEd central office.“Maliban sa hinaharap na kaso ng korapsyon, kilala din si Mercado sa kanyang ugaling paninira sa mga kasamahan sa trabaho, kabilang na ng kapwa matataas na opisyal ng DepEd. Sa akin mismo ay sinubukan ni Mercado na siraan ang tatlong opisyal ng DepEd,” said Duterte.[Translation: Aside from corruption, Mercado is also known for her habit of undermining her colleagues, including fellow high-ranking officials at DepEd. She even attempted to discredit three DepEd officials in front of me.]Mercado was appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. upon the recommendation of Duterte.The vice president resigned as education secretary in July.
