During the recent 122nd Police Service Anniversary celebration at the Police Regional Office 13 in Butuan City, Vice President Sara Duterte, who concurrently serves as Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd), ignited a spirited discussion with her fervent defense of the controversial confidential funds allocated to her office.

Amidst growing scrutiny of these funds, her statements added a thought-provoking dimension to the ongoing debate, prompting questions about whether she had inadvertently conflated her role and the funds with the nation’s pursuit of peace.

Duterte emphasized the pivotal role of confidential funds in bolstering national security, asserting their significance in promptly addressing unforeseen challenges. “Confidential funds play a vital role in maintaining security by providing the necessary resources to address unforeseen challenges swiftly and decisively,” stated Duterte, setting the stage for her impassioned defense.

However, it was her pointed comments about those who criticize the allocation of funds designated for “peace and order” that truly raised eyebrows.

Sara contended, “Anyone who attacks or undermines funds allocated for peace and order is naturally assumed to have insidious motivations.”

She went on to stress the wide-ranging consequences of such actions, suggesting they run counter to the interests of the citizenry. “Such actions go against the protection and well-being of our citizenry. Those who seek to compromise the security and development of our nation jeopardize the very fabric of our society and hinder our progress.”

In a striking rhetorical twist, Duterte declared that those who oppose confidential funds are, in essence, opposing the nation’s pursuit of peace.

“Makinig kayo sa lahat ng sinasabi sa palibot ninyo at tandaan ninyo, kung sino man ang kumokontra sa confidential funds ay kumokontra sa kapayapaan. Kung sino ang kumokontra sa kapayapaan ay kalaban ng bayan.”

As the Vice President concluded her address, she issued a call to arms, urging unwavering vigilance and an unyielding commitment to safeguard the nation’s interests. “We must remain vigilant and steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding our people and our nation,” she proclaimed.

Duterte also highlighted DepEd’s active participation in the Anti-Terrorist Council and the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict as concrete demonstrations of the agency’s unwavering commitment to protecting students, teachers, and all stakeholders.

“The safety and security of our people should never be limited by financial constraints or arbitrary timeframes. We must stand united against any attack on funds allocated for peace and order, as they threaten the protection and well-being of our citizenry,” she affirmed.