by Glaiza Salanio

On Wednesday, June 19, Vice President Sara Duterte announced her resignation as Department of Education (DepEd) secretary, quitting her position in the Cabinet of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

In a press conference, VP Duterte stated that she already submitted her resignation letter to Malacañang, which is effective by July 19.

”I shall remain of service to the country through the various programs, activities, and projects of the Office of the Vice President,” VP Duterte said.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Garafil said that VP Duterte did not provide the reason for her resignation.

“She will continue to serve as Vice President. We thank her for her service,” Garafil said in his statement.

VP Duterte further stated that her resignation was not due to weakness but rather out of compassion for teachers and students.

“Mga kababayan, ang aking pagbibitiw ay hindi lulan ng kahinaan kundi dala ng tunay na malasakit para sa ating mga guro at kabataang Pilipino,” she said.

“Bagama’t hindi ako magpapatuloy na mamamahala sa Kagawaran, patuloy pa rin nating itataguyod ang kalidad ng edukasyon na nararapat para sa Pilipino,” she added.

On the same day, she also resigned as co-vice chairperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.