Vice President Sara Duterte firmly denied that First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos had any involvement in her decision to resign as Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd).
In an ambush interview, Duterte clarified, “No. Kasi wala naman din kinalaman si First Lady sa trabaho namin ni Pangulong Marcos. So sabi ko nga, ano siya, kailangan ng sit-down kasi hindi siya isang rason lang. Nagkabuhol-buhol na siya na maraming rason.” She emphasized that the reasons behind her resignation were complex and multifaceted.
Back in April, the First Lady expressed on the “Tune in kay Tunying” program that she was displeased with Duterte, especially after the former President Rodrigo Duterte’s drug accusations against President Marcos. The First Lady was particularly offended by Duterte’s reaction to her father’s “bangag” remark against the President at a rally in Davao City in January.
Duterte acknowledged the First Lady’s resentment but reiterated that it had no bearing on her role as Vice President. She also stated that she harbors no regrets about accepting the role of DepEd Secretary. “In fact, it is with a heavy heart that I leave the Department of Education. Minahal ko itong trabaho na ito. Minahal ko ‘yung mga kasama ko sa Department of Education,” she said.
However, she did express regret over not being able to complete the Marcos administration’s plans for the education sector. “Meron talaga akong regrets dahil gusto ko talagang tapusin kung anuman ‘yung dapat deliverables ng Marcos administration mula sa Department of Education,” she added.
Duterte’s resignation from DepEd, effective tomorrow, July 19, 2024, was announced last June 19, 2024. She has held the position since the start of the Marcos administration.
Regarding her resignation, Duterte mentioned several reasons, including personal matters discussed with President Marcos before she agreed to run for Vice President, job-related issues, and national concerns. “Medyo mahaba ‘yung kwento na ‘yun e. We need a sit down for the reasons. Merong personal sa aming dalawa ni President Marcos, which stems from ‘yung napag-usapan namin bago ako pumayag na tumakbong vice president. Meron siyang sa trabaho at meron siyang sa bayan,” she explained.
Duterte also confirmed that she is not open to accepting another Cabinet position under the Marcos administration. “Hindi na ako magseserve in another cabinet post sa Marcos administration,” she stated.