By Liezelle Soriano
DEPARTMENT of Education Secretary Sonny Angara on Thursday said that some schools will have to postpone their opening of classes following the onslaught of super typhoonCarina.
The opening of classes of schools with minimal damages will push through on July 29.
“Some schools will really have to postpone their openings kasi maraming aayusin at lilinisin. Pero ‘yung wala o minimal ang damages itutuloy pa rin ang pasukan,” he said in a statement.
Angara said that he will be issuing a list on Friday of the schools whose opening of classes will be postponed.
He added that the regional directors will work with the school principals to assess readiness for school opening.
“Hindi namin pipilitin ‘yung mga nasalanta talaga at mahihirapan sa school opening ng Lunes.”
A total of 324 schools are being used as evacuation centers following the onslaught of ‘Carina’, according to DepEd.
There are six regions with schools used as evacuation centers, namely: CAR, NCR, Region I, Region III, Region IV-A and Region VI.
Meanwhile, 90 schools are now damaged, as of July 25.
The DepEd said a total of P630 million will be needed for rehabilitation and construction.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Incoming Department of Education (DepEd) Sec. Sonny Angara tendered his resignation from his position as a senator following the turnover of DepEd Secretary position also on Thursday (18 July 24).
In his letter to Senate President Chiz Escudero, Angara said that his resignation will take effect on July 18, 2024, in light of his appointment as new DepEd chief.
“The portfolio that I will be taking on as DepEd Secretary is riddled with very serious challenges,” he said.
“But I am confident that with your support and of the rest of my colleagues at the Senate, these challenges are surmountable,” Angara added.
Vice President Sara Duterte turned over the DepEd chief post to Angara on Thursday (18 July 2024) at the DepEd Central Office, Pasig City, wherein the seal and flag were handed over to the latter.
During the turnover, Angara said that he will do “everything” to improve the education quality in the country.
“Gagawin natin ang lahat para makamit ang mga pagbabago at reporma na naayon sa mga layunin ng isang Bagong Pilipinas,” he said.
Angara previously said that he will have his oath as the new Education chief on July 19.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio turned over the Department of Education Secretary position to the incoming chief, Sec. Sonny Angara, on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at the DepEd Central Office in Pasig City.
During the turnover ceremony, Duterte-Carpio handed over the seal and flag to Angara.
In his speech, Angara said he would “do his best” to improve the quality of education in line with ‘Bagong Pilipinas,’ adding that he will continue “what Duterte-Carpio has started.”
“Gagawin natin ang lahat para makamit ang mga pagbabago at reporma na naaayon sa mga layunin ng isang Bagong Pilipinas,” he said.
“Ang trabaho n’yo ang magsisilbing MATATAG na pundasyon ng mga programa at proyekto na aming isusulong. We will build from what you have already started,” the senator added.
Angara further stated that they will outline their key priorities in the coming days.
“Education is a pillar of our nation’s progress. And it is only through a nation’s efforts that education will be improved and made more effective. We need to work together,” the incoming DepEd chief concluded.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — The Department of Education confirmed on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, the resignation of five ranking officials of the agency ahead of the leadership turnover.
Incoming DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara will officially assume his post on Friday (19 July 2024) following the resignation of Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio on the same date in June.
The officials who have submitted their resignations are the following:
Michael T. Poa – Undersecretary and Chief of Staff
Nolasco A. Mempin – Undersecretary for Administration
Sunshine A. Fajarda – Assistant Secretary – Office of the Secretary
Reynold S. Munsayac – Assistant Secretary for Procurement
Noel T. Baluyan – Assistant Secretary for Administration
Poa stated that their resignations will take effect also on Friday, July 19.
He explained that their decision allows the incoming DepEd Secretary to select his team.
“I think it is only appropriate to give the incoming Secretary of Education, Secretary Angara, a free hand to choose the people that will form part of his team,” Poa said.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Incoming Education Secretary Sonny Angara on Thursday (04 July 2024) expressed confidence that there will certainly be a salary increase for teachers.
Angara, a sitting senator, will take over as Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary when VP Duterte’s resignation takes effect on July 19.
“I am confident in the next few years — hindi ko lang alam kung this year or next year — magkakaroon ‘yan ng pagtaas ng sweldo ng ating teachers,” Angara said in an interview on TeleRadyo Serbisyo.
At the same time, he is eyeing to talk to government financial institutions to give teachers preferential treatment by granting them lower interest for their loans.
“Tinitingnan natin yung benepisyo nila… For example, yung mga nakukuha nilang loan, minsan natatali sila d’yan nang matagal at mataas ang interes. Pag-aralan natin, tapos kausapin natin yung ibang financial institutions ng gobyerno…na nagpapautang nang mura sa mga negosyante. Dapat may access din sila dito o preferential treatment,” Angara noted.
He added that he would also prioritize reducing the non-teaching tasks of educators and boosting their access to financial institutions.
Angara said he was also looking into the specifics of the Matatag curriculum introduced by his predecessor Vice President Sara Duterte which aimed to streamline learning competencies.
“Dapat back to basics lang ho tayo,” he quipped.
“Dapat huwag tayong pabigla-bigla; i-maintain natin yung ating direksyon na simplify ang curriculum,” the incoming DepEd chief added.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Sonny Angara has stated that he has no plans to run for any position following his upcoming appointment as the Department of Education Secretary.
Angara’s term as a senator will end in June 2025.
When asked if he would run for a local position such as congressman, governor, or vice governor, he responded negatively.
“No. I’ve been there already. I was a congressman for several years… Next year marks my 12th year in the Senate… You could say I’ve graduated from that,” Angara said.
“We’re not leaving. We won’t turn our backs on our duties just to run for political office. I think one of the concerns of the education sector is that the job might be neglected in favor of personal political ambitions. That won’t happen,” the senator added.
In response to groups urging against appointing a politician as the new DepEd Secretary, Angara said he understands their concerns but emphasized that he will not use his new position for political gain.
“I understand their opinion, and they have a point because they fear that if a politician takes the position, they might use the department for political purposes… I would never do that,” he said.
Earlier, various groups urged President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. not to appoint a politician.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Sonny Angara on Tuesday (02 July 2024) expressed his gratitude for being appointed as the new Department of Education Secretary by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
He acknowledged the trust placed in him and conveyed his commitment to collaborating with all sectors to ensure access to quality education for every Filipino child.
In a statement released on Tuesday (02 July 2024), Angara stated, “This significant responsibility is one that I accept with humility and a profound sense of duty.”
He also expressed his eagerness to work with President Marcos and the entire administration in serving students, supporting teachers, and enhancing the overall quality of education in the country.
Angara’s term as a senator will conclude in 2025. He intends to build upon the accomplishments of Vice President Sara Duterte, his predecessor at DepEd.
Angara emphasized that he looks forward to working together with all sectors, including Vice President Duterte, towards achieving their common goals.
“I am deeply honored and grateful for President Marcos’ trust in appointing me,” Angara added.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has announced that Senator Sonny Angara will be appointed as the new Secretary of the Department of Education.
Angara will take over from Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, who tendered her resignation on June 19, with the effective date set for July 19.
The Department of Education (DepEd) has yet to state Angara’s appointment.
Expressing his gratitude, the senator stated that he is “deeply honored and grateful” for the President’s trust in him.
“I accept this significant responsibility with humility and a profound sense of duty…I look forward to collaborating with President Marcos and the entire administration in serving our students, supporting our teachers, and improving the overall quality of education in our country,” Angara said.
On July 1, Angara expressed his openness to be the next DepEd chief.
“I am open if given this opportunity…I cannot refuse such a position,” he stated.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Sonny Angara expressed openness to the possibility of becoming the Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd) if the position were offered to him.
“I’m open if trusted with the role. It’s something you can’t refuse,” Angara told reporters when asked about his willingness to take on the position of the next DepEd chief.
“We’ll cross that bridge when we get there. If the President needs me, I’m willing to help,” the senator added.
However, Angara clarified that he has not yet received any offers for the position.
Previously, Senate President Chiz Escudero described Angara as an “excellent choice” for the role of DepEd head.
On June 29, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. mentioned that he requires more time to decide on the next Secretary of the Education Department.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero has suggested Senator Sonny Angara as a strong candidate for the next Department of Education Secretary.
“I was approached by individuals close to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. who inquired about a replacement for Vice President Sara at DepEd. The only name that came to mind was Senator Angara. I’m unsure if the President received this suggestion,” Escudero mentioned.
However, Angara said earlier that he has not been approached on this matter.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. previously stated that he would announce the appointment of the new DepEd chief before the end of June.
Vice President Sara Duterte resigned as DepEd Secretary on June 19, with her resignation taking effect after a 30-day transition period.
Marcos stated that Duterte did not disclose her reasons for stepping down from her position as Education Secretary.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Following the sudden resignation of Vice President Sara Duterte as Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary, the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) on Monday (24 June 2024) expressed its disapproval of Senator Sonny Angara as the next education chief.
In a statement, the TDC asked the President to appoint a “non-political” figure as the next DepEd Secretary to spare the agency from “political bickering.”
“We call on our President to ensure that the next DepEd secretary is not a politician or actively involved in partisan politics. This is to ensure that DepEd is spared from political bickering and being dragged into divisive political fighting,” TDC chairperson Benjo Basas quipped.
VP Sara resigned as DepEd chief last week, claiming her departure was motivated by her genuine concern for the well-being of both teachers and students.
Earlier, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, batted for Angara as the next DepEd chief.
Marcos Jr. will have almost a month to choose a replacement for Duterte, whose resignation will take effect on July 19, 2024.
However, the TDC maintained that the new Education secretary should put educational advancement as their main thrust “rather than political agenda.”
“Aside from this, the next secretary should be an excellent manager since that person will be managing the largest bureaucracy in the country. This individual will oversee the department with the most personnel, the most geographically dispersed operations, and the greatest resources,” Basas stressed.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Sonny Angara on Friday (24 May 2024) said that the New Government Procurement Act (NGPA) would address inefficiencies and wastage in public transactions by plugging loopholes in the existing law.
Angara, the principal author, and sponsor of Senate Bill No. 2593 or the NGPA, said the new procurement law promotes greater transparency, competitiveness, efficiency, professionalism accountability, and sustainability in the government procurement process.
“The NGPA was a product of months of consultations with all the stakeholders, particularly the Executive branch, to come up with a law that will ultimately end up saving money for the government and result in the delivery of better services for our people,” Angara said.
The said bill is now up for review and signature of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
The NGPA replaces Republic Act No. 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act, the 21-year-old law that served as the entire bureaucracy’s bible for all transactions involving public funds.
“Over time, scheming minds were still able to exploit the GPRA and it is high time that we clamp down on these illegal practices by eliminating the opportunities for corruption and this is what the NGPA intends to achieve,” Angara said.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Sonny Angara on Tuesday (05 March 2024) reaffirmed his belief that basic education in the Philippines should not be opened to foreigners to protect nationalism in the basic education system.
“Sinisiguro natin na hindi bubuksan sa foreign investors ang basic education. Marami sa resource persons natin ang nagbanggit nyan. Marami sa kanila ang nagsabi na hindi dapat buksan,” Angara said on the continuation of the hearing of Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 6.
This was the reaction of the senator after the Department of Education (DepEd) announced that they were against the implementation of foreign ownership in the education system in the country, specifically their amendment to Paragraph 2, Sec. 4, Article 14 of the 1987 Constitution.
Angara said it is important to protect the values and national identity of Filipinos.
“Sa simula pa lang ng educational institutions session, sinabi na namin na hindi natin intesyon dito na buksan ang basic education dahil malaki ang pagpapahalaga natin sa values formation, nationalism at iba pang katangian ng mga Pilipino, tulad ng inyong mga nabanggit,” DepEd Assistant Secretary Francis Cesar Bringas said.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Sonny Angara said that the Senate has been eyeing to bring the Resolution of Both House (RBH) No. 6 on plenary before President Marcos delivers his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July.
The RBH seeks to amend the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution, particularly on public utilities, education, and advertising.
“Ang usapan namin is madala na namin sa floor before the SONA, for debate ng buong Senado,” Angara, who leads the Senate subcommittee leading the review of the Charter’s economic provisions, said.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has already started its deliberations on the counterpart of the said resolution.
Earlier, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. wants the plebiscite on Charter Change to be held in 2025, coinciding with the mid-term elections.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Sonny Angara has expressed his approval of the filing of Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 7 in the House of Representatives, proposing amendments to the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution.
Angara described this move as a positive step forward.
The senator was among the authors of RBH No. 6, the counterpart of RBH No. 7.
“To be honest, we were ahead. So, that’s good. For me, the filing of RBH7 is a positive development,” Angara remarked.
“It’s beneficial because instead of engaging in conflicts or daily press conferences targeting the Senate, it’s better to have hearings on RBH7 and discuss it,” he added.
“Congressmen, on their part, have the advantage of being in their districts. Thus, they can consult with their constituents.”
The economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution, particularly Articles XII, XIV, and XVI, are the focus of RBH No. 6, which is currently under deliberation in the Senate.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Sonny Angara stated on Wednesday (07 Feb 2024) that the Senate cannot disclose its position on Charter Change (Cha-cha) at this time, as they still need to hear from experts during hearings.
The statement comes after House Majority Leader and Zamboanga lawmaker Mannix Dalipe’s call to disclose their position.
“Paano maglalatag ng posisyon ang mga senador eh kakasimula lang ng mga hearings kung saan papakinggan ang mga eksperto?” Angara said.
“Hindi basta-basta magdedesisyon ang mga senador sa tingin ko. Mag-iisip at makikinig muna sila. Sana ganun din sa HoR,” the lawmaker added.
The Senate has begun its deliberations on Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 6, amending economic provisions.
Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel, on the other hand, said that “at the proper time, the vote in the Senate will be by roll call or nominal voting.”
“Hence, we will eventually be informed of each senator’s stand. At this stage, we are listening, and we should be allowed to keep an open mind,” added Pimentel.
“Otherwise, what is then the point of all these consultations if we have already made up our minds at this time?” he said.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Sonny Angara stated on Monday (February 5, 2024) that discussions on Charter Change may wrap up by the last quarter of the year.
Angara clarified that there was no announcement that debates would conclude before the chamber’s Holy Week break.
“The deadline I have in mind is filing in October; by then, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) will need to finalize,” Angara said.
“This is the constitution we’re talking about, not ordinary legislation. We want comprehensive discussions and understanding of the scope and coverage,” he added.
On Monday, the Senate initiated deliberations on amending the economic provisions.
(el Amigo/MNM)
MANILA — Senator Sonny Angara on Thursday (01 Feb 2024) assured the public that the upcoming Senate hearing on Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 6, scheduled for Monday (05 Feb 2024) will exclusively focus on the three proposed amendments to the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution.
As the leader of the subcommittee under the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes, Angara emphasized, “No discussion of political amendments,” in a Viber message to reporters.
He further clarified that the discussion will be confined to the contents of RBH 6, a proposal he filed along with Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda.
Angara ensured that Constitutional experts would be invited to represent various sectors, fostering healthy discussion and debate.
RBH 6 specifically targets amendments to Section 11 of Article XII (National Patrimony and Economy), Paragraph 2, Section 4 of Article XIV (Education, Science and Technology, Arts, Culture, and Sports), and Paragraph 2, Section 11 of Article XVI (General Provisions).
Zubiri explained that the amendment aims to “constitutionalize” the Public Services Act, currently under Supreme Court scrutiny, and streamline regulations to facilitate increased foreign investments in the country.
Anticipating the Senate’s deliberations on RBH 6, House Majority Leader Rep. Manuel Jose “Mannix” M. Dalipe and NPC House bloc leader Rep. Jack Duavit expressed optimism that the discussions would elevate the discourse on amending the economic provisions of the Constitution.
Dalipe stated, “We welcome…let’s bring it out to a higher level of discussion, particularly the meat of the matter, the economic amendments to be made to help this country.” He affirmed the House’s patience in waiting for the Senate’s decision on the measure.
Duavit acknowledged the significance of the official deliberations on RBH 6, expressing, “This is a start of things simmering down and getting back to work, so we welcome it very much.” He emphasized that the House has already made its stance on RBH 6, leaving it to the Senate to decide on the measure.
The House leadership has committed to adopting RBH No. 6 once it receives approval from the Senate.
(By el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Sonny Angara suggested on Monday (18 Dec 2023) that the time might be ripe to revisit the 1987 Constitution, considering it as already a “vintage” document.
“I think it’s about time to reevaluate some of the provisions of the Constitution because it’s a 1987 vintage. It has been almost 40 years, and the world has changed significantly since 1987. Economic boundaries have come down,” remarked Angara.
In alignment with House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Angara acknowledged the necessity of reviewing economic provisions.
“The Speaker mentioned the need to review economic provisions. So, I think that is something worth considering because we need some flexibility in that area as well,” he expressed.
Angara emphasized the importance of keeping the welfare of the nation and the Filipino people in mind for advocates of this potential constitutional movement.
Earlier, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri expressed a contrary opinion, stating that Charter Change is not needed at this point.
“I believe we don’t need any amendments at this particular point in time,” Zubiri asserted.
(ai/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
Senator Sonny Angara has called on his colleague at the Upper House for the immediate passage of Senate Bill No. (SBN) 777 which seeks to implement early voting for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Under SBN 777 that he filed, the senator emphasized the importance of giving priority to the elderly and the disabled in voting precincts as they no longer keep up with regular voters who can stand longer in queues to vote.
Angara stressed this law must be implemented before the next election comes around in 2025.
“Tayo po ay natutuwa sa naging resulta ng pilot implementation na ito ng Comelec na nagpatupad ng mas maagang pagboto sa seniors at PWDs sa dalawang pilot cities. Malinaw na sa kabila ng kanilang kalagayang pisikal, naroon ang kanilang paghahangad na makaboto, kaya’t nararapat lamang na bigyan natin sila ng pribilehiyo,” he said.
In his proposed bill, the senator said it would be better if seniors and PWDs were given two days of voting within 15 days before the actual election day.
This is to make voting more comfortable for them and safe from any harm.
“Nakalulungkot ang mga balita na marami pa rin sa mga seniors natin ang pumila ng matagal sa mga presinto at kinailangan pa umakyat ng ilang palapag para lamang bumoto,” Angara said.
(ai/mnm)