Vice President Sara Duterte urged lawmakers to stop using witnesses lacking credibility or with questionable motives, citing ongoing attempts to undermine her character.
"Sa pagpapatuloy ng mga tangka na sirain ang pagkatao ko, nais ko sanang himukin ang ating mga mambabatas na itigil ang paggamit ng mga testigo na walang kredibilidad o di kaya ay kwestyonable ang layunin," Duterte said in a Facebook post on Thursday.
Duterte cited Gloria Mercado as an example, who recently appeared at the 2nd Public Hearing on Good Government and Public Accountability in the House regarding issues related to budget utilization in the Department of Education under Duterte's leadership.
"Nais ng Kongreso na paniwalaan ng mga Pilipino si Mercado at kalimutan na umamin itong masama ang kanyang loob nang mawala sa pwesto," said Duterte.
Duterte then stated that Mercado was removed from her position because she allegedly requested ₱16 million from a private company, claiming that there are documents signed by Mercado that could support the claim.
Furthermore, Duterte claimed that Mercado insisted on providing a teaching position to an individual in Region VII, appointing them as an Executive Assistant in the DepEd Central Office.
Duterte also presented additional documents to further support her claims, including the minutes of teacher education council meetings.
"Malinaw dito na sinadya ni Mercado na maantala ang appointment ng executive director ng TEC," said Duterte.
Aside from the corruption allegations, Mercado is reportedly known for undermining her colleagues, including fellow high-ranking officials at DepEd.
"Sa akin mismo ay sinubukan ni Mercado na siraan ang tatlong opisyal ng DepEd," Duterte claimed.
Duterte hopes Congress will recognize that the irresponsible focus on witnesses against her could jeopardize the lives and futures of innocent DepEd employees and their families.
The Vice President has previously stated that she will not resign from her position despite the rumors of an impending impeachment case and the controversies directed at her.
