FORMER Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara yesterday breezed through his ad interim appointment as Education secretary, receiving the overwhelming support of the Commission on Appointments whose members are his former colleagues at the House and the Senate.
The CA took less than 10 minutes to approve Angara’s nomination, being excused from delivering his opening statement and the members not questioning his qualifications for the position.
Sen. Raffy Tulfo, chairman of the CA education panel, said Angara “will be more than capable of leading the country to a better future through the students he will take under his wings.
“I look forward to working with you, Sec. Sonny, and seeing the changes you will be making in the Department of Education,” Tulfo said in his endorsement speech at the plenary.
“Mr. Chair, I move that the Commission confirms the ad interim appointment of Mr. Edgardo Manalang Angara as secretary of the Department of Education. I so move, Mr. Chair,” he added, his motion readily approved by the CA.
Senate President Francis Escudero said it is only fitting for Angara to be swiftly approved as DepEd secretary “as a courtesy to him.”
He said this was not the first time that a member of Congress who was appointed to the Cabinet was given such privilege.
“His former colleagues are still here, that’s why he was given such courtesy by the members of Congress,” he added.
Escudero said he asked Angara what he had intended to say in his opening statement and the DepEd secretary said it was just to express his gratitude and say hello to his former colleagues.
He said the opening speech was no longer needed since Angara was known to them.
“And there’s no need for him to state his policies that he will implement,” he said.
Sen. Christopher Go said Angara deserves to be DepEd secretary as he trusts that their former colleague is capable “to carry out his duties and responsibilities as he possesses exceptional qualifications for the post.
“His extensive knowledge of the law and his dedication to uplifting the educational standards in the country have made him very well equipped as DepEd secretary,” Go said.
Sen. Grace Poe said the “Alagang Angara” legacy will continue at DepEd with their former colleague around.
She said the Senate will miss Angara’s wit and wisdom but “the CA will be sending off with joy the former senator to his new family at the Department of Education.”
Angara served as senator since 2013 and resigned last July 18 after he was appointed by President Marcos Jr. to replace Vice President Sara Duterte, whose resignation as DepEd secretary took effect last July 19.
Angara also served as congressman for Aurora province from 2004 to 2013.
He is one of the senators who have served two full six-year terms and would have “graduated” as senator next year.
