House scrutinizes DepEd 2024 budget

The Manila Times

House scrutinizes DepEd 2024 budget  Education Undersecretary and Spokesman Michael Wesley Poa speaks to reporters after the Department's budget hearing at the House of Representatives on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.   VIDEO BY RED MENDOZA  Subscribe to The Manila Times Channel - https://tmt.ph/YTSubscribe  Visit our website at https://www.manilatimes.net  Follow us: Facebook - https://tmt.ph/facebook Instagram - https://tmt.ph/instagram Twitter - https://tmt.ph/twitter DailyMotion - https://tmt.ph/dailymotion  Subscribe to our Digital Edition - https://tmt.ph/digital  Check out our Podcasts: Spotify - https://tmt.ph/spotify Apple Podcasts - https://tmt.ph/applepodcasts Amazon Music - https://tmt.ph/amazonmusic Deezer: https://tmt.ph/deezer Stitcher: https://tmt.ph/stitcher Tune In: https://tmt.ph/tunein  #TheManilaTimes #DailyNews #DepEd #HouseofRepresentatives #Budget #DepartmentofEducation

Transcript

00:00 Usec, as well, how was the hearing?

00:03 Of course, there were many concerns, especially with the confidential funds.

00:06 What is your reaction to the raised by Mayor Block earlier in the hearing?

00:10 The hearing was good.

00:12 At least, we were given a chance to explain the confidential funds

00:15 and also the other programs of the DepEd.

00:17 That's what committee hearings are all about.

00:19 They need to inquire about our budget and our program.

00:22 And we were the ones who responded.

00:23 So, the discussion during the hearing was good.

00:26 And we thank, of course, the committee that really helped us through the process

00:31 to clarify certain things.

00:33 Sir, there was a complaint that the DepEd received

00:37 because of the P362.8 million pesos in dormant unauthorized bank accounts

00:43 that they are now using.

00:44 What is the statement of the DepEd regarding this?

00:46 This is a violation of the JA 2022 ordinance.

00:49 Yes. No, those 300 accounts that were reported by the DepEd

00:54 the information that was given to me, those are dormant accounts.

00:59 Apparently, there were donations or some funds that were with DepEd

01:03 from the previous administration that were dormant.

01:06 So, right now, the information that was given to me is

01:09 we are in the process of closing down those accounts.

01:12 But right now, as to the details, I really don't know.

01:16 In fact, we are still briefing the program owners of those accounts.

01:22 So, it's just a clarification on the two proving cases that were investigated.

01:28 Sir, is there a reason why this is happening?

01:30 And are there cases that were not reported by the DepEd?

01:33 Yes. The problem is, to be honest, our experience,

01:37 we see a lot of social media, people complaining, complaints.

01:41 But once we investigate and we ask for an affidavit or a slice of what happened,

01:49 they don't give it. That's why we have a hard time proceeding with the cases.

01:54 That's why we are urging the public that if they know this,

01:58 they should go to DepEd or call DepEd and give their slice.

02:03 It was the same experience, if you remember the Cavite case.

02:07 So, even if the case is ongoing, it's hard to resolve the case

02:11 because the affidavit is not enough.

02:14 Meaning, what we get are probably whatever we see on social media.

02:18 But as you know, when it comes to formal investigation,

02:21 we need an affidavit or a slice of what happened to them

02:26 or what they know happened to their acquaintance.

02:29 But no one approached us.

02:31 That's why we don't stop asking the public to help us.

02:35 If they know, don't be afraid to approach.

02:38 We handle everything with utmost confidentiality.

02:41 But the problem is, if no one approaches, our investigations won't progress.

02:47 [Silence]

Transcript

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