Rotten Food, Rotting Trust: Sara Duterte’s Leadership Faces a Crucial Test Ahead of 2028

By Louis ‘Barok‘ C. Biraogo — September 9, 2024

IS VICE President Sara Duterte’s ambition for the presidency being overshadowed by a wave of controversies? The nation is gearing up for the 2028 presidential election, and Duterte, a likely contender, is facing intense scrutiny over her tenure as Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd). Every action she took in office, particularly in the education sector, has come under the microscope. And nothing has sparked more outrage than the Commission on Audit’s (COA) damning findings regarding the DepEd’s 2023 School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP), under her leadership.

With P5.6 billion worth of food reportedly wasted in the program—food meant to provide critical nutrition to malnourished students—the resulting political fallout has been swift and unforgiving. Two neophyte lawmakers, Zambales Rep. Jefferson Khonghun and La Union Rep. Francisco Paolo Ortega, have emerged as vocal critics, demanding transparency and accountability from Duterte. The COA’s findings, coupled with these lawmakers’ pointed critiques, have thrown Duterte into the eye of a political storm that could either strengthen or break her presidential ambitions.

The COA’s Damning Report

The COA’s audit findings were unambiguous: the 2023 DepEd feeding program suffered from serious lapses. Food items, such as the much-publicized nutribuns and milk, arrived late, were improperly stored, or were outright unfit for consumption, with some even infested by pests. The COA flagged 21 Schools Division Offices (SDOs) across the nation—spanning from Aurora province to Iligan City—where these egregious errors occurred. For a program tasked with feeding the nation’s most vulnerable students, the consequences were grave.

The legal implications of this report are significant. Republic Act No. 6713, the “Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees,” mandates public servants to act with integrity and responsibility. Duterte, as head of DepEd during this time, bears the weight of “command responsibility.” The Supreme Court has previously ruled in Agan v. Philippine International Air Terminals Co. (2003) that public officials are held accountable for lapses within their offices, especially in cases of gross negligence.

However, Duterte’s defense has been cautious. She’s acknowledged the audit, assured full cooperation, and tasked DepEd to inspect supplier operations and correct delivery flaws. Yet, critics argue this isn’t enough.

The Accusations Fly: Lawmakers Challenge Duterte’s Leadership

Rep. Khonghun and Rep. Ortega have taken center stage in criticizing Duterte. Both argue that the COA findings are not just bureaucratic oversights but reflect a deeper failure in leadership. “This is not about politics,” Khonghun insists. “The public deserves transparency and accountability.” Ortega further challenges Duterte to stop deflecting blame and face the consequences head-on. They point to provisions of the Philippine Constitution, which mandates public accountability under Article XI, Section 1, and stress that the SBFP’s mismanagement deprived thousands of children of meals they desperately needed.

On the other hand, Duterte’s defenders claim the feeding program’s issues stem from systemic problems, such as procurement challenges and supplier failures—issues that have plagued the program for years, even before Duterte’s term. They argue that she acted in good faith by ordering immediate action after COA’s findings. Legal scholars supportive of Duterte might invoke the Supreme Court’s ruling in Atty. Corona v. Senate (2013), which emphasizes the importance of due process in public accountability cases. They argue that Duterte should be given the chance to present her side fully before being condemned.

Duty and Responsibility: Ethical Standards in Public Service

At the heart of this controversy is a broader ethical question. Republic Act No. 9184, the Government Procurement Reform Act, requires government agencies to ensure transparency and competitiveness in procurement processes. The issues raised by COA—particularly the moldy bread, pest-infested nutribuns, and packaging problems—indicate potential violations of these procurement laws. Moreover, the Philippine Supreme Court has established in Licaros v. Sandiganbayan (2016) that public officials who fail to monitor the implementation of critical public programs could be held accountable for gross negligence or even malversation of public funds.

The Battle for Public Opinion: Duterte’s Critics vs. Her Supporters

The balance of power is delicate. On one hand, the COA’s findings give Duterte’s critics significant leverage. The mismanagement of P5.6 billion in taxpayer money, particularly in a program designed for underprivileged children, is a potent weapon for those seeking to undermine her future presidential run. Khonghun and Ortega’s relentless call for Duterte to own up to these lapses resonates with a public increasingly fed up with political leaders’ unaccountability.

However, Duterte remains a formidable political figure with strong alliances and a powerful base. Her ability to weather this storm depends on her handling of the fallout. By cooperating with COA, offering a full explanation, and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable, she might just steer her political ship through the storm.

Recommendations

For Sara Duterte: Transparency is crucial. Duterte must address these accusations head-on by presenting a comprehensive report on the feeding program’s failures and outlining concrete steps to prevent a recurrence. She should also consider calling for an independent investigation to identify where the system broke down and remove any semblance of political interference. Immediate disciplinary action against responsible suppliers or DepEd officials, under the provisions of Republic Act No. 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, would further demonstrate her commitment to public service and accountability.

For the Lawmakers: While the call for accountability is important, Khonghun and Ortega must avoid allowing their criticisms to be framed as purely political attacks. They should continue pressing for reforms in the DepEd’s procurement and supply chain systems, ensuring that the next education secretary implements tighter controls and oversight mechanisms. Passing legislation to safeguard school feeding programs from supplier failures should be their next step.

Conclusion

As the storm surrounding Duterte intensifies, the stakes could not be higher. Will she rise to the occasion, confronting the mistakes and holding her subordinates accountable? Or will this controversy be a harbinger of her political decline? The answer lies in how she navigates the next few critical months—under the watchful gaze of a nation that demands answers. Imagine a future where the Philippines is led by a leader who has learned from her mistakes, who is committed to transparency and accountability, and who is dedicated to serving the needs of the people. Or imagine a future where the country is left to grapple with the consequences of unchecked corruption and political opportunism. The choice, ultimately, lies with Duterte.