Senators back Angara on DepEd post

Senator Sonny Angara's colleagues in the Senate attested to his knowledge and experience as he takes on a new role as secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd).

“My heartfelt congratulations to Sen. Angara for a well-deserved appointment! His task ahead is gargantuan, and I wish him well,” said Senate President Francis ''Chiz'' Escudero in a statement on Tuesday.

Senator Loren Legarda likewise commended Angara, saying his “leadership promises a bright future for Philippine education.”

“With a strong educational background and significant contributions as the Commissioner of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), his leadership promises a bright future for Philippine education,” Legarda said.

“Senator Sonny is one of the most hardworking and efficient senators our country has ever had,” she said.

Senator Joel Villanueva expressed sadness over Angara’s impending departure from the Senate but said the “future will be bright and ‘Sonny’ for the Department of Education with an Angara at the helm.''

“I have witnessed firsthand his unwavering passion and dedication to advancing education reforms in our country, from our days in the House of Representatives to his tenure in the Senate and now as fellow EDCOM2 Commissioners,” Villanueva said.

“Senator Sonny's appointment promises to uphold and build upon the transformative legacy of his father, the late Senator Edgardo Angara, who pioneered significant reforms in our education sector, notably through his efforts in EDCOM 1,” he added.

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) announced earlier in the day that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. named Angara as the next DepEd chief, replacing Vice President Sara Duterte, who resigned on June 19.

Marcos also made the announcement during the 17th Cabinet Meeting at the Palace on Tuesday morning.

Meanwhile, Senator Risa Hontiveros said the President chose a “more qualified” Education Secretary.

“Sen. Sonny Angara is one of the most qualified and acceptable DepEd Secretaries among education reform advocates,” said Hontiveros.

“Sen. Sonny's work as legislator and as member of EDCOM 2 speaks volumes of his commitment and aspiration for a better education sector,” she said.

Hontiveros said Angara will deal with a lot of challenges, including the enhancement of the country’s education system.

Senators Nancy Binay, Francis Tolentino, and Bong Revilla likewise congratulated Angara.

“We in the Senate will miss the breadth of his knowledge, especially on matters of finance and law. But definitely, the Senate’s loss is the country’s gain,” said Binay.

'Deeply honored'

In a separate statement, Angara said he was deeply honored and grateful to Marcos for the appointment.

According to the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Angara's seat in the Senate will remain vacant until after the May 2025 midterm elections, unless the Senate calls for a special election.

"Unless there is a call from the Senate to call for a special election, the Senate seat will remain vacant," Comelec Chairman George Garcia said.

Angara's second consecutive six-year term as a senator expires in June 2025. He is barred from seeking reelection. —VBL, GMA Integrated News