The camp of Vice President-elect Sara Duterte said it has received reports that people posing as her representatives attempted to collect funds for upcoming projects under the Department of Education (DepEd).
The public is also being warned of such “scammers.” Duterte’s spokesperson Liloan Mayor Christina Frasco said.
Frasco confirmed that they have received reports about such swindlers who target contractors and suppliers to allegedly collect payments for projects under the DepEd.
Duterte was earlier tapped as Education secretary in President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos’ Cabinet.
“The incoming Secretary of Education has not nor will never designate anyone to talk to or negotiate with contractors and suppliers to engage in corrupt activities — smearing her reputation and tarnishing the image of the entire DepEd and the thousands of people working hard under the organization,” Frasco, in a GMA News report said.
The official also encouraged the public “to remain vigilant when coordinating with people who present themselves as DepEd staff and report suspicious activities to authorities.”
“Contractors, suppliers, and the general public are strongly urged to exercise prudence when dealing with individuals and/or groups claiming to represent the Vice President-Elect and incoming DepEd Secretary,” Frasco said.
Meanwhile, Outgoing Education Secretary Leonor Briones is expected to meet with Duterte to guarantee a smooth transition.
Briones said Duterte “has a wide understanding of the problems of the education sector, especially in the grassroots level.”
Duterte earlier said she would seek the approval of a a bill that will “make military service mandatory for all 18-year-olds” male and female in the country.