The Office of the Vice President (OVP) requested for a P10 million budget under the 2025 national budget for the distribution of learners books or can I say that it is the taxpayers’ money that she is asking for?
During the budget hearing on August 20, Vice President Sara shared that the book is not for sale while the printing and publication will only be covered by the monetary budget, yet on August 21, the OVP released the proposed price of the book, 50 pesos per copy.
(Photo Courtesy: Rappler)
This shows that Vice President Sara Duterte will use that kind of amount to produce her authored book named ‘Isang Kaibigan’ to 200,000 copies to be distributed.
The book caters Sara’s story portraying a real-life lesson of friendship to young readers. Last November, her book was authored and used for VP’s storytelling sessions in different schools.
But the real question is — why would you ask for a large amount of money for the books’ distribution when in fact, you are using the public’s money?
The mere fact that you are distributing it to the young learners with a price ceiling, why don’t you just give it for free? What happened to ‘the book is not for sale’?
Are you really doing this for your genuine support for the young readers to learn, Ms. Vice President? I hope so.
There is nothing wrong about the book as its purpose is to help the students to learn how to read and understand stories.
On your budget hearing in the Senate, you were asked about the content of the book and yet you answered to wait for the hard copy of the book — to wait until it arrived.
Simple question yet you were having a hard time answering it, Ms. Vice President.
Remember when you resigned as the Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary? You were also out of words, madam. We are in dire need of explanation, most especially when you resigned as the secretary. We are in dire need of explanation when you have plans for the education sector, specifically now.
Why are you so silent when it comes to your position, and yet you have so much to say when authoring your own book?
We want answers and not your politicizing blabber over senators.
You are missing in action with a lot on your term, and now that you are here, you are asking for a 10 million project.
This is not your come and go moment, VP. We want your assurance over specific measurements. We deserve your voice when something happens as we also deserve your explanation and presence.
Ms. Author, before anything else, instill in your mind that quitting is not an option. Do your job!
Illustrated by Doris Angela Ecunar