Escudero: Angara’s replacement as Senate panel chair to be discussed

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero said that the replacement of Senator Sonny Angara as chairman of the Senate committee on justice and human rights is yet to be discussed.

The Palace announced on Tuesday that Angara has been appointed as the new education secretary following Vice President Sara Duterte’s resignation from the post.

READ: Angara named as new DepEd chief

When asked by reporters who would take Angara’s position as the Senate panel chair, Escudero replied, “Pag-uusapan pa namin. Hinahalal naman ‘yan at ini-elect among the majority members, pero hangga’t maaari, mas ninanais ko sana abogado ang magiging chairman ng committee on justice.”

(We will still discuss it. That is elected among the majority members, but as much as possible, I would prefer that the chairman of the committee on justice be a lawyer.)

“Titignan namin kung sino ipapalit, pero in theory, gaya ng sinabi ko, sana member ng Philippine Bar ang chairman ng committee on justice,” he added.

(We will see who will take over, but in theory, as I said, I hope that the chairman of the committee on justice is a member of the Philippine Bar.)

Escudero further said that it was Angara’s decision whether to resign from the Senate once he assumed the position of Secretary of Education.

“Mag-uusap pa kami kaugnay ng eksaktong plano, balakin, at schedule niya dahil option niya kung magreresign siya pagkatapos mag take effect ng appointment upang sa gayon ito ay maging isang ad interim appointment,” he said.

(We will still discuss the exact plan, intentions, and schedule because it is his option if he resigns after the appointment takes effect so that it becomes an ad interim appointment.)

READ: DepEd welcomes Angara’s appointment as education secretary

“Ang pagkakaiba nyan pwede na siyang umupo at manilbihan bilang kalihim kung siya ay magbibitiw, subalit ‘pag hindi, hangga’t siya ay ma-confirm, magiging nominee siya hanggang ma-confirm at hindi pa siya pwede mag-assume,” the senate president explained.

(The difference is that he can sit and serve as a secretary if he resigns, but if he doesn’t until he is confirmed, he will remain a nominee and cannot assume the position until confirmed.)