PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. yesterday said he would announce by the end of the week the appointment of a new Education secretary to take over the post vacated by Vice President Sara Duterte last week.
The President, in a media interview, said the Education department is arguably the most important government agency and should not be left without a leader for long.
“No matter the change of leadership within the department, we still have to carry on. I will probably be able to, I would like to be able to announce the appointment of the DepEd Secretary by the end of the week,” he said.
“We cannot leave it open. We cannot just leave it like that nakatiwangwang lang na walang secretary (We cannot leave it open. We cannot just leave it like that, open, without a secretary),” he added.
Duterte resigned as DepEd Secretary and vice chairperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) last June 19 but did not give a reason why.
Her resignation takes effect on July 19.
The President said he had asked the Vice President for her reasons for quitting but Duterte told him not to talk about it so he did not force the issue.
Before her resignation as Education chief, the Vice President had hogged the headlines over controversies surrounding her confidential and intelligence funds.
There had also been calls for the Vice President to resign from the Marcos Cabinet amid the criticisms and remarks made by her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, against Marcos and his administration.
First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos had also claimed that the Vice President was no longer in her good graces, a “bad shot” to her.
Marcos and Duterte were running mates in the 202 elections.
The President said despite the departure of the Vice President from his cabinet, the UniTeam Coalition is still there and nothing has changed.
Marcos, however, said there could be some changes depending on the decision of Duterte if she would stay with the administration or join the opposition in the next elections next year.
“It depends on Inday Sara’s position when the election comes. Is she in the administration or is she in the opposition? That will be the only major determinant. But as the parties involved, the UniTeam is still the same, it hasn’t changed,” he said.
FOCUS ON BEING VP
The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) is calling on the Vice President to focus on her role as the second highest government official by helping the people.
In a radio interview, CEAP President Fr. Albert Delvo said they are hopeful that Duterte would shun the belief that she is set to become the leader of the political opposition now that she is out of the Marcos administration.
“We wish VP Sara Duterte the best in her private and public life,” said Delvo. “May she discharge her duties as Vice President with the welfare of the people as her only motive.”
Not a few believe that Duterte is now inclined to become the leader of the political opposition with the May 2025 polls looming.
According to CEAP, they respect the decision of Duterte to leave her DepEd post.
“Resignation is an option for employees, including elected and appointed public officials,” said Delvo.
He said CEAP is also thankful for the efforts of Duterte during her brief stint as DepEd chief.
“She conducted periodic consultations with private education leaders, such as COCOPEA, CEAP, and MaPSA. We appreciate this effort,” said Delvo. — With Gerard Naval
