Incoming Education Secretary Sonny Angara has formally stepped down from his position as senator.
In a letter to Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Angara announced that his resignation would take effect on Thursday, July 18.
Angara’s media relations chief confirmed that he would assume his new role as the secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd) on Friday, July 19.
“I have served our countrymen through the Senate of the Philippines for 11 years.
And in that period, I have been able to shepherd landmark legislation making quality education and healthcare more accessible; increasing the take-home pay of our workers; increasing the social pensions of senior citizens; exempting PWDs from VAT; giving incentives to our national athletes and coaches; and providing bigger support to Tatak Pinoy industries, among many others,” Angara stated in his resignation letter.
“The portfolio that I will be taking on as DepEd Secretary is riddled with very serious challenges. But I am confident that with your support and of the rest of my colleagues at the Senate, these challenges are surmountable,” he added.
Angara was originally set to complete his two terms in the Senate in 2025 before his appointment to the DepEd.
Earlier in the day, former Education Secretary and Vice President Sara Duterte officially handed over the position to Angara in a ceremony held in Pasig City.