Sonny Angara officially resigns as senator

Incoming Education Secretary Sonny Angara has officially resigned as senator.

In a letter addressed to Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero, Angara indicated that his resignation as senator is effective Thursday, July 18.

According to Angara's media relations chief, the former senator will be assuming his position as the secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd) on Friday, July 19.

LOOK: Incoming DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara officially resigns as a senator @gmanews pic.twitter.com/qsFpCxXu5e

— Hana Bordey (@HanaBordey) July 18, 2024

"I have served our countrymen through the Senate of the Philippines for 11 years. And in that period, I have been able to shepherd landmark legislation making quality education and healthcare more accessible; increasing the take-home pay of our workers; increasing the social pensions of senior citizens; exempting PWDs from VAT; giving incentives to our national athletes and coaches; and providing bigger support to Tatak Pinoy industries, among many others," Angara said in his resignation letter.

"The portfolio that I will be taking on as DepEd Secretary is riddled with very serious challenges. But I am confident that with your support and of the rest of my colleagues at the Senate, these challenges are surmountable," he added.

Angara was supposed to end his two terms in the Senate in 2025 prior to his appointment to the DepEd.

Earlier in the day, former Education secretary and Vice President Sara Duterte turned over the position to Angara in a ceremony held in Pasig City. — VDV, GMA Integrated News