'Hopefully, hindi': Angara optimistic he won't be part of speculated Cabinet reshuffle
DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara (left) remains focused on improving Philippine education amid Cabinet reshuffle rumors under President Marcos (right). (DepEd file photo)
Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara on Friday, January 9, expressed optimism that he would not be included in any rumored Cabinet reshuffle, stressing that Malacañang has not confirmed such changes.
In an interview at San Francisco High School in Quezon City, Angara said he remains hopeful amid circulating speculations about a possible revamp within President Marcos’ cabinet.
“Hopefully hindi, hopefully hindi tayo kasama doon kung meron man (Hopefully not—hopefully we are not included if there is one),” Angara said.
He noted that Malacañang has already denied reports of an impending Cabinet reshuffle, adding that the President has not personally raised the issue with him. When asked about the possible source of the rumors, Angara declined to speculate.
Earlier this week, Malacañang reiterated that there is no information regarding alleged changes in the Cabinet under the Marcos administration. Palace officials also clarified that while no reshuffling is being discussed, regular performance reviews of Cabinet members remain part of standard government procedure.
On January 7, DepEd addressed reports of a possible Cabinet revamp. “Secretary Angara serves at the pleasure of the president,” the agency said.
Despite the rumors, DepEd said Angara remains focused on the agency’s mandate—emphasizing continuity in governance and service delivery amid ongoing policy reforms in the education sector.
“Unless otherwise told, tuloy-tuloy lang po ang ating butihing kalihim sa pagtatrabaho at pagtutulak ng mga makabuluhang reporma, alinsunod sa utos ni Pangulong Marcos, na mapabuti ang sektor ng edukasyon, lalong-lalo na ng ating mga mag-aaral at guro (Our esteemed Secretary continues to work tirelessly and push for meaningful reforms, in line with President Marcos’ directive to improve the education sector, especially for our students and teachers),” DepEd added.
Amid reports of a possible reshuffling, DepEd reiterated its commitment to roll out key reforms and programs under Angara’s leadership—including initiatives aimed at easing teacher workload, strengthening classroom practices, and advancing digital and AI readiness in basic education.