More than 300 educators, academics, student leaders, and education workers have signed a bold petition urging the Philippine Senate to advance the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, spotlighting allegations of corruption and neglect in the country’s education sector.
Set against the looming August 6 Senate deliberation, the petition, addressed to both houses of Congress and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., calls for “truth, justice and accountability.”
It denounces the alleged misuse of ₱612.5 million in public funds within Duterte’s dual roles as Vice President and former Education Secretary.
Circulating widely under the title “Educators Demand Truth, Justice and Accountability—Advance the Impeachment Trial Now!, the petition charges that the government’s delay undermines democratic accountability and weakens protections against corruption.
Petitioners argue that public funds allegedly diverted could have supported classroom construction, learning materials, and livable wages for teachers—resources sorely lacking in the current system.
“Our long-standing demands for livable wages, quality and accessible education, and higher education budgets keep falling on deaf ears while accountability remains elusive,” the statement reads.
The signatories emphasize that impeachment is not merely political theater but a constitutional mandate. They warn that delays could erode public trust, obscure key evidence, and pressure witnesses, fostering impunity among powerful officials.
They further challenge President Marcos to demonstrate political integrity by supporting a transparent trial and ensuring Senate impartiality.
The petition closes with a rousing call to action, encouraging students, teachers, and civil society to promote the campaign in educational institutions and public forums.
“We must unite in defending the education sector’s rights to honest governance that can enable the genuine development of the Filipino people,” it concludes.
