Angara’s appointment is a ‘much-improved choice,’ says teachers’ group

Senator Sonny Angara speaks during a teachers’ convention held on April 15, 2019 in Lucena City. (Contributed file photo)

MANILA, Philippines —  The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) thinks Senator Sonny Angara is a “much-improved choice” for the education department compared to Vice President Sara Duterte.

The group’s statement follows a Palace announcement on Angara’s appointment as the new education secretary.

READ: Angara named as new DepEd chief

Duterte resigned as DepEd chief last June 19.

She was silent about the reason for her resignation but explained that her decision was not a sign of weakness.

The vice president said her action was driven by compassion for teachers and students.

ACT also recalled that Angara, in the past, had accepted their requests for dialogues and sought their input on relevant education issues during his term as senator.

“Needless to say, being a lawmaker who enjoys some level of autonomy is far different from being a cabinet member who is beholden to the wishes of the president,” it said.

READ: DepEd welcomes Angara’s appointment as education secretary

“ACT hopes that Sen. Angara will remain to be amicable, different from his red-tagger predecessor,” it added.