House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro today criticized the planned January 13 rally by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) and SAGIP Party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta, describing it as a clear attempt to shield Vice President Sara Duterte from accountability over corruption allegations.
“This rally is not about peace and unity. It’s a calculated move to protect Vice President Duterte from answering serious allegations about her misuse of confidential funds and her accountability for the deteriorating quality of education in our country,” Castro stated.
Castro emphasized that the rally’s timing coincides with growing public demand for accountability, citing the recent Social Weather Stations survey showing 41% of Filipinos supporting VP Duterte’s impeachment.
“The Filipino people deserve answers about the unexplained use of confidential funds. As a former Education Secretary, VP Duterte must also answer for the alarming decline in our students’ performance in international assessments for math, English, and science during her watch,” Castro said.
The lawmaker pointed out that genuine peace and unity cannot be achieved by blocking legitimate calls for accountability.
“Walang rally ang makapagbubura sa katotohanang dapat managot ang mga opisyal ng gobyerno sa kanilang mga ginawa. Ang milyong Pilipinong sumusuporta sa impeachment ay humihingi ng hustisya at pananagutan, hindi political theatrics. Walang tunay na kapayapaan kung walang hustisya,” pagtatapos ni Castro.#
