HOUSE leaders have praised Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara for his exemplary conduct during a gruelling almost 12-hour hearing by the House Committee on Appropriations on the agency’s proposed P793.18-billion budget for 2025.
The lawmakers noted that Angara’s remarkable testimony was a sharp contrast to the “aggressive behavior” of his predecessor, Vice President Sara Duterte at the legislative inquiry.
The legislators led by House Assistant Majority Leader and Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Raul Angelo Bongalon commended Angara for his “thorough and respectful responses,” especially given that he was merely addressing problems inherited from the former DepEd chief, demonstrating his ability to tackle the challenges head-on.
Bongalon, vice chairman of the appropriations committee, lauded Angara’s respectful and diligent approach, emphasizing his ability to address every question from the lawmakers despite having been at the helm of the DepEd for only six weeks.
“Secretary Angara’s professionalism and composure during the hearing reflect a true commitment to public service. His respectful engagement was a breath of fresh air,” Bongalon said.
“It’s impressive that Secretary Angara handled these issues so well, especially considering that he inherited these problems from the previous (DepEd) administration,” he added.
House Deputy Majority Leader and Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre was more direct in comparing Angara’s leadership to Duterte’s “bullying and seemingly entitled behavior.”
“Secretary Angara, in just a short time, has already shown his capability to lead with respect and integrity,” Acidre pointed out.
“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.”
He further remarked that “Angara’s willingness to engage constructively, even with the tough questions, is a testament to his dedication and a significant departure from the combative stance of his predecessor.”
House Deputy Majority Leader and Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin also underscored the stark contrast between Angara’s approach and that of Duterte.
“Secretary Angara’s ability to respond clearly and respectfully to every inquiry sets a new standard for leadership at DepEd. His demeanor was the complete opposite of the aggressive and disrespectful attitude shown by his predecessor,” Garin said.
“It’s commendable how he’s tackling the problems he inherited without complaint, focusing instead on solutions and moving the department forward,” Garin added.
The three House leaders agreed that Angara’s demeanor during the budget hearing set a constructive tone for the future of DepEd.
Their remarks draw the stark distinction between Angara’s leadership style and that of the Vice President, who faced widespread criticism for her confrontational and unprofessional conduct during the budget hearing for the Office of the Vice President.
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