A Closer Look at the Deception Behind Isang Kaibigan

 

In November 2023, Vice President Sara Duterte launched her first children's book, Isang Kaibigan (A Friend), during the National Reading Month celebrations. The book, which tells the story of a parrot helping an owl rebuild its nest after a storm, was initially presented as a heartfelt gift to inspire young readers across the Philippines. However, recent developments have unveiled a troubling reality: the distribution of this book will be funded by taxpayer money, raising questions about the appropriateness of using public funds for personal projects.

The Story Behind Isang Kaibigan

Isang Kaibigan was supposedly inspired by Duterte's experiences and aims to promote the values of friendship and kindness. During the book launch, she expressed gratitude to Filipino children for inspiring her to write, stating, “Nagpapasalamat ako sa mga batang Pilipino because they gave me the inspiration to write the book”. The book was illustrated by Janina Simbillo and Joseph Caligner, and the Vice President has emphasized its educational value, hoping it will encourage a love for reading among children.

Initially, Duterte announced plans to donate copies of the book to school libraries across the country. She stated, “I will make more copies to be donated to libraries and schools”. This declaration painted a picture of a selfless act aimed at enriching the educational landscape for young learners. However, this image has been tarnished by the revelation that the distribution of the book will be funded through her office's budget.

The Budget Hearing Revelation

During a recent budget hearing for the Office of the Vice President, Duterte requested 10 million pesos to distribute Isang Kaibigan along with other educational materials. This funding request is part of a larger proposed budget of 2.037 billion pesos for 2025. The Vice President aims to reach one million learners in remote communities, but the fact that taxpayer money will be used to distribute a book authored by her raises ethical concerns.

Senator Risa Hontiveros questioned the appropriateness of this funding, suggesting that it could be seen as a form of political maneuvering. Duterte's response, which included a dismissal of the senator's concerns as politicizing the issue, did little to assuage worries about transparency and accountability in government spending. The use of public funds for a project that bears the Vice President's name and image raises serious ethical questions about the line between public service and personal promotion.

The Ethical Implications

The ethical implications of using taxpayer money to distribute Isang Kaibigan are significant. While promoting reading and education is undoubtedly important, the optics of a government official using public funds to disseminate a book that serves her personal brand cannot be overlooked. This situation exemplifies a troubling trend in politics where public resources are leveraged for personal gain, blurring the lines between public service and self-promotion.

Moreover, the decision to distribute the book through government funds contradicts Duterte's initial promise to donate copies. This shift not only undermines her credibility but also raises questions about her commitment to transparency and ethical governance. If the Vice President truly aimed to inspire young readers, she could have pursued private funding or partnerships with educational organizations to distribute the book without involving taxpayer money.

The Bigger Picture

This incident is not merely about a children's book; it reflects broader issues of governance, accountability, and ethical conduct in public office. The Philippines has faced numerous challenges regarding corruption and the misuse of public funds, and this situation with Duterte's book only adds fuel to the fire. Citizens deserve to know that their tax money is being used responsibly and ethically, particularly in initiatives that are meant to serve the public good.

As the budget hearing continues and discussions around the allocation of funds for educational materials unfold, it is crucial for lawmakers and the public to scrutinize the motivations behind such requests. The potential for politicization in educational initiatives must be addressed to ensure that the focus remains on the needs of learners rather than the ambitions of political figures.

The revelation that Vice President Sara Duterte's Isang Kaibigan will be distributed using taxpayer money has transformed what was initially presented as a charitable act into a contentious political issue. While the book's message of friendship and kindness is commendable, the ethical implications of using public funds for its distribution cannot be ignored. As citizens, we must demand accountability and transparency from our leaders, ensuring that public resources are used for the collective benefit of society rather than personal gain.

In the end, the true lesson of Isang Kaibigan may not just be about friendship, but also about the importance of integrity and ethical governance in our public institutions.