Lawmakers from the House of Representatives praised Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara for his performance during a nearly 12-hour Committee on Appropriations hearing on the agency’s proposed P793.18-billion budget for 2025.
Angara’s respectful and thorough responses were a far cry from the aggressive tactics of his predecessor, Vice President Sara Duterte, according to House Assistant Majority Leader and Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Raul Angelo Bongalon.
Bongalon lauded Angara for his professionalism, noting that he adeptly addressed issues inherited from the former DepEd chief. He described the former senator as a “breath of fresh air,” just six weeks into leading the education sector.
During the budget hearing held on Monday, Angara and other DepEd officials were asked a variety of questions, including the Philippines’ poor standing at the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) rankings, perceived learning crisis, bullying in schools, among other issues.
House Deputy Majority Leader and Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre contrasted Angara’s approach with Duterte’s, describing the new DepEd chief as a leader who respects and engages constructively with integrity.
“This is a stark contrast to what we saw from Vice President Sara Duterte, who, during her own budget hearing, displayed a sense of entitlement and resorted to bullying tactics that have no place in a democratic institution,” Acidre said.
House Deputy Majority Leader and Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin also noted the difference in leadership styles. She said Angara’s “ability to respond clearly and respectfully to every inquiry sets a new standard for leadership at DepEd,” as opposed to his predecessor.
“It’s commendable how he’s tackling the problems he inherited without complaint, focusing instead on solutions and moving the department forward,” Garin added, echoing the positive feedback from other House lawmakers who look forward to working with Angara in improving the education sector.
