Education Secretary Sonny Angara on Friday, Jan. 9, said he will continue to serve in the Department of Education (DepEd) “at the pleasure” of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. amid the rumored revamp of the chief executive’s Cabinet.
In an ambush interview, Angara expressed gratitude to the Palace for clarifying the matter.
“Hopefully, hindi tayo kasama doon kung meron man (We hope that we’re not included in that if there’s any),” he said.
“Of course, we serve at the pleasure of the President.”
While he has not personally discussed the matter with President Marcos, Angara disclosed that the Office of Executive Secretary told him there is no such plan.
The Palace has earlier denied the alleged shakeup of key government posts under the Marcos administration.
Asked on the status of his performance, Angara said it is best to leave the assessment to his higher-ups as he continues to advance reforms within the DepEd for the welfare of learners and teachers.*PNA
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Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Benitez, Director General of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), said on Thursday, Jan. 8, that he has not received any call or notice regarding his potential appointment as Education Secretary.
Benitez is reportedly emerging as a serious contender to replace Sonny Angara at the Department of Education (DepEd) as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. weighs a sweeping Cabinet reset, according to reports on the Politiko and Bilyonaryo websites.
Benitez dismissed the rumors, noting that he has no idea where the reports originated. He further emphasized that Angara has “been driving education reforms across agencies.”
“Hopefully there is a status quo in the education sector to ensure the reforms continue,” Benitez said.*CPG