VICE PRESIDENT Leni Robredo called on Education Secretary Leonor Briones to give priority to students and teachers, reminding her that they are her bosses.

“The boss of Secretary Briones should be the students who need to learn, the teachers who need help, not the President. It is true the President appointed her but I hope she would protect the children and teachers,” Robredo said.

She issued the statement after Briones denied partnering with the Vice President in the implementation of the latter’s Community Learning Hub project.

Briones however said that the Department of Education has no authority to close the community learning hubs.

There are 11 learning hubs set up in different areas nationwide that provide assistance to students.

These hubs have volunteer tutors and are equipped with computers, gadgets, and free internet connection.

“Our No. 1 goal is that we should ensure no student is left behind, not the goal to please our higher-ups,” Robredo said.

She lamented that Briones’ statement might adversely affect her education project.

“Iyong mga DepEd officials matatakot sila baka sila ma-sanction. Iyong mga teachers na partner namin baka ma-sanction kasi iyong DepEd ganito stand nila,” Robredo said.