TINGOG Party-list Representative Jude Acidre, during a House Committee hearing on Good Government and Public Accountability, uncovered highly irregular practices involving special funds of the Department of Education (DepEd). Acidre’s questioning revealed that funds not sourced from official DepEd channels were disbursed to school superintendents under the direct instruction of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Former Special Disbursing Officer (SDO) Edward Fajarda admitted during the hearing that he requested personal bank account details from DepEd superintendents and regional directors, sparking concerns about the unusual handling of public funds.
“Meron bang pagkakataon na kayo po ay nag-reach out sa mga principal, superintendents, mga regional directors, o empleyado ng DepEd para humingi po ng kanilang mga bank accounts?” Acidre asked. Fajarda confirmed, “Sa superintendent po, Your Honor.”
Acidre cited screenshots circulating online showing conversations where Fajarda solicited bank account details from superintendents in Region 7. These accounts allegedly received funds described as “extra,” not sourced from official DepEd appropriations.
“Kung titignan mo sa screenshot, lahat po ng superintendents sa Region 7 ay inyong kinontak at hiningan. Ibig sabihin silang lahat po nabigyan?” Acidre asked. Fajarda replied, “Actually, hindi ko kilala lahat ng superintendents. Basta ang alam ko lang po, hindi po lahat.”
Fajarda further admitted that these disbursements were made on direct orders from Vice President Sara Duterte. “Actually po, I was instructed by VP Sara,” he said. Acidre probed further, “Saan po nanggagaling yung pera na ipinapadala po ninyo?” Fajarda replied, “Binibigay po yun sa akin ni VP Sara.”
Acidre emphasized the irregularity of this practice, pointing out that the funds were not drawn from official DepEd allocations and lacked proper documentation or uniform guidelines for distribution. Fajarda confirmed, “Hindi po lahat kasi sobrang dami po nyan at hindi po regular.”
These revelations highlight a troubling deviation from standard financial protocols. Acidre raised questions about the source of the funds, their legality, and the implications of bypassing established financial controls.
“Public funds must come from legitimate sources and follow proper processes. These ‘extra’ funds only raise suspicions about the integrity of the system,” Acidre said, underscoring the need for a comprehensive investigation.
The hearing raised serious concerns about the accountability of officials in the handling of confidential funds, further fueling calls for greater transparency and stricter safeguards to prevent misuse of public resources.
