Utmost support poured out from senators on Tuesday, July 2, for the appointment of their colleague Senator Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara as the new secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd), wishing him success in his new role.
Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero congratulated Angara on his appointment and wished him well on his "gargantuan" task ahead.
Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino said that Angara is "very qualified" for the position.
"He will do a good job as DepEd Secretary with his EdCom background and familiarity with current issues," he said.
However, Tolentino mentioned that the Senate would lose another legal mind as a consequence.
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education and Co-Chairperson of the EDCOM hailed Angara's "well-deserved" appointment.
"As a lifelong education champion, former Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, and a Commissioner of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), he will bring to the Department the expertise and leadership needed to usher in needed reforms and foster innovation in the basic education sector," he said.
"I am confident that his integrity, long experience in government service, and his ability to think outside the box will be assets to the department he is about to lead," he added.
Gatchalian said that he looks forward to working with Angara in pursuing reforms that he sincerely hopes will reverse the country’s perennial education crisis.
Sen. Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri said that Angara is one of the most accomplished legislators and public servants, expressing his belief that he is more than qualified to head the most important agency, with the biggest share in the national budget no less.
"Sen. Sonny brings to the DepEd his brilliant fiscal mind, being a former chair of the Senate finance panel, and his heart for our youth, being part of the Congressional Committee on Education (EDCOM)," he said.
"He also brings to the department great lessons he learned from his father, Tito Ed Angara, who was himself a passionate advocate of delivering quality education to every Filipino," he added.
Zubiri said that while the Senate is losing an invaluable member, the nation, and especially the children, is gaining an excellent champion. He added that he looks forward to how Angara will improve the education landscape of the country in the coming years.
Senator Joel Villanueva said that the future will be bright and "sonny" for DepEd with Angara as its top official.
"We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our colleague, brother, and fellow education advocate, Senator Sonny Angara, on his appointment as Secretary of the Department of Education," he said.
Villanueva added that it would be difficult to part ways with Angara since aside from being his Senate seatmate, and he is also a basketball teammate.
"Subalit magkahiwalay man po ang Splash Bros ng Senado, magiging magkatuwang pa rin kami ni Sen Sonny sa pagsusulong ng mga mahahalagang polisiya para itaas ang antas ng edukasyon sa bansa (Even though the Splash Bros of the Senate will be parting, me and Sonny will still be partners in pushing for important policies to boost the quality of education in the country)," he said.
"I have witnessed firsthand his unwavering passion and dedication to advancing education reforms in our country, from our days in the House of Representatives to his tenure in the Senate and now as fellow EDCOM2 Commissioners," he added.
Villanueva also stated that Angara's appointment promises to uphold and build upon the transformative legacy of his father, the late Senator Edgardo Angara, who pioneered significant reforms in the education sector, notably through his efforts in EDCOM 1.
Senator Loren Legarda also commended Angara's appointment, highlighting hus dedication and efficiency, emphasizing his commitment to addressing the needs and welfare of the Filipino youth.
“I would like to congratulate Senator Sonny Angara, our new Department of Education Secretary! With a strong educational background and significant contributions as the Commissioner of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), his leadership promises a bright future for Philippine education,” Legarda said.
“Senator Sonny is one of the most hardworking and efficient senators our country has ever had,” she added.
Legarda further mentioned that her fellow lawmaker had significantly improved the state of education in the country with laws such as the Ladderized Education Act, the Open Learning and Distance Education Act, the Youth Entrepreneurship Act, among others.
“I am confident that Senator Sonny will drive progress and innovation, ensuring a promising future for all Filipino students,” said Legarda.
Sen. Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. said that the President made the right decision in appointing Angara.
"Batid natin ang kanyang kakayahan at kaalaman. Tiyak na magiging instrumento siya sa pagtugon sa mga pangangailangan ng ating DepEd (We're aware of his capability and knowledge. I'm sure that will be serve as an instrument in addressing DepEd's needs)," he said.
"We will continue to work together for the betterment of the education sector in the country. Sec. Sonny, you have our full support," he added.
Senator Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito said that Angara is an "excellent choice" for the role with his extensive educational background and commitment to public service.
"I am confident that his leadership will bring significant positive changes to our education system," he said.
Sen. Nancy Binay considers Angara as an "excellent appointment" as well, stating that from the start of his term in 2013 one of his primary advocacies has always been education.
"As a very active participant of EDCOM II he has shown that he has an excellent grasp of the various issues hounding the education sector. Alam na niya ang mga problema, at aware na siya sa mga solusyon na natalakay na rin sa EDCOM (He knows the problems, and he's aware of the solutions that were also tacked in the EDCOM)," he said.
Binay said that this appointment is also bittersweet for her as they both entered the Senate at the same time but he will be exiting first.
"Ang samahan namin sa Senate (Our partnership in the Senate) went beyond work to true friendship. We in the Senate will miss the breadth of his knowledge especially on matters of finance and law," she said.
"But definitely, the Senate’s loss is the country’s gain," she added.
Malacañang announced on Tuesday, July 2, that President Marcos "is set to appoint" Angara as the new DepEd chief, replacing Vice President Sara Duterte who recently resigned from the post.
According to the Palace, Marcos made the announcement during the 17th Cabinet meeting, saying that Angara has accepted to take on the position.