THE Commission on Appointments confirmed Wednesday the appointment of 76-year-old Leonor Briones as the Department of Education secretary amid questions regarding her health and Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista as colonel of the Philippine Army (reservist).
Senator Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, chairman of the CA education committee, moved for Briones’ confirmation, saying that based on her accomplishments alone, she was qualified for this job.
“In my personal experience over the past eight months [as Senate education committee chair], I can say she truly is a champion for education,” said Aquino, stressing Briones is an esteemed Filipina who can lead the charge to provide quality education for every Filipino.
For 40 years, he said Briones served as a professor and a faculty member at the graduate level of her alma mater – the UP National College of Public Administration and Governance, ‘which we all know as NCPAG. And in March 2013, the board of Regents of the same University conferred on her the honorary title Professor Emeritus.’
Aquino said Briones has extended her reach beyond academic excellence and has embraced her passion for public service.
Briones served as the Secretary of the Commission on Audit for nine years, from 1978 to 1987, and became the Vice President for Finance and Administration of the University of the Philippines System for two years from 1996 to 1998 before serving as the Presidential Adviser for Social Development. Then, in 2001, Briones served as the country’s Treasurer.
“And as we are all aware for the past months, she lent her expertise, talents, and skills as the incumbent Secretary of the Department of Education,” said Aquino
Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto seconded the motion to confirm his former professor at the University of the Philippines.
“She never changes views just to get into power. She tells truth to power,” Recto said.
“Whether in or out of government, as an official or as a critic, she employs the same high level of competence and commitment which makes her an effective leader of a department or an advocate of a cause,” added Recto.