By Takeroya for Ka-Streetwise

Hello, Streetwise folks! I’m Takeroya, and welcome to my little channel. Today we’ll be discussing a deep, shocking, and controversial issue: the “laptop corruption scandal” at the Department of Education—and how Sara Duterte, Saldico, and the use of confidential funds were implicated in it.

Opening Shout

I really don’t know what kind of intelligence Sara has this time. Instead of helping, it seems like she’s hurting her father—using Saldico’s name in the laptop anomaly issue. Whether you call it laptop corruption , laptop scam , or tech procurement anomaly , the question is the same: why are teachers being given Heleron instead of i3 or i5?

What is that? There is a big difference in price and performance between them. Sara said she challenged the Office of the Ombudsman to investigate the DepEd laptop corruption scandal because Saldico was involved in it. But you’re right: what is the evidence? What is the document?

On Tuesday, October 14, 2025, while talking to DepEd, the question came up: Why are you only saying that now? As a former DepEd secretary, you had many press conferences in the past—why did you only make a fuss now? And another thing—if there is an investigation, there should be documents, right? It’s not just words. In his presentation, he said that his confidential fund—₱125 million? Or is it ₱500 million, the DepEd secret fund—was used to investigate Saldico.

If so, Sara is being facetious. Use the confidential fund, which is often hidden — and is now being used as an allegation against others. And when it says “confidential,” it’s easy to cover up.

But if I say goodbye?

Here’s the twist: Sara said Saldico was involved in laptop corruption. But the question is: when did that happen? When were the Helerons purchased for the teachers? And why is Saldico the name being left out?

The answer is tricky: the laptop procurement case, worth ₱2.4 billion, was brought up during the time of former Education Secretary Briones. He and other officials were charged with graft and falsification charges. But why is it that it seems like it’s only now that it’s exploded on Sara’s side? Saldico was implicated because he allegedly had “ties” with the laptop contractor, Sunwest. But huh? Sunwest is supposedly a construction/real estate/energy/hospitality firm — where did their laptop-retail business come from?

The explanation seems like a pilot: “Ah, they say they have a retail division now.” But it’s not clear—there’s no clear evidence that they are actually the supplier.

“Selective Investigation?”

The annoying thing: the investigation is said to be selective—controlling what will be investigated. Why aren’t all anomalies in DepEd being investigated? Why aren’t Davao, Bulacan, Negros, Sorsogon, and others being investigated?

For Sara, the investigation is like a tool — used against those they want to target, while allies are covered up. And when the administration uses all the legal and influence it can to stop impeachment or other legal accountability — that’s the real problem.

For example: several times the investigation has been limited when it comes to “high-ranking officials,” especially those connected to the executive branch. There have also been cases where flood control documents have “expired” or gone missing, or hearings have been closed due to “lack of evidence.”

The Drama of Power

When Sara says, “there is an investigation,” a large part of it is theater. The message is controlled, the flow of information is controlled. It seems like there is an umbrella circling around Congress and Malacañang, which directs which issues will be revived or killed.

And behind the formal statements and diplomatic rhetoric, there is a political game with a deep trap. When the scenario approaches the administration, suddenly the investigation is “absent.” When the involved party is an ally, it is quickly avoided. But when the target is the nation or the opposition, it is suddenly turned into a grand show.

Martin Romualdez at Saldico

According to rumors, Saldico was not appointed by Martin Romualdez as the procurement head in Congress, but was voted in by congressmen, including party-lists. It is also said that he is the one who actually talks about laptop procurement in bicameral meetings, not Romualdez—although his name is often shouted out to protect others.

And it’s funny to say: in 2019, there was a photo of Saldico and President Rodrigo Duterte at the opening ceremony of a power plant owned by Sunwest in Romblon. Face-to-face, included in the event. Even in the headlines. So the people asked: is there a partnership they share?

If that’s the trick, it seems like Sara is pushing the spotlight on Saldico, who is being used as the “fall guy”—but that role is not easy because there are many people watching.

Conclusion: It’s Not Just About Laptops

This is not just about a laptop. It is about power, control, and public rights . When a leader has the ability to order an investigation to be stopped or a conversation to be silenced, we the people are being insulted.

The problem is not with Sara’s accusation. The problem is with the system that gives her the ability to use her appeal as a weapon. And the problem is with the system that stops asking questions the moment the topic becomes sensitive.

Soft words are not enough. The national budget that is boasted about is not enough if many projects have no results, many teachers do not have laptops, many students do not have internet. There must be access to documents , open hearings , and accountability to those who hold power themselves.

So now, Streetwise, I encourage you: don’t stay silent. Ask. Ask for documents. Share information. Don’t just let it be said “there’s not enough evidence.”

And for Sara: if there is an investigation, don’t just name her in front of television—show the evidence. Don’t turn the real issue of the public treasury into a little drama.

Thank you very much for watching. If you enjoyed this video, like, subscribe, and share with your friends. Let’s join together in seeking truth and justice for the country. The Philippines is not for show—it’s for the people.
Until next time, Streetwise!