MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio clarified on Saturday (June 29, 2024) that she did not suggest any candidates for the new Department of Education Secretary.

“I did not recommend a new secretary for the Department of Education because the position relies on the trust and confidence of the appointing authority, which is the President,” Duterte-Carpio stated.

“The President should rightfully choose someone he trusts,” she added.

Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed the need for additional time to decide on the next DepEd chief.

“It’s proving more challenging than expected because we must make the right choice. So, I am extending the decision-making process,” he explained.

Amid deliberations, some senators have endorsed Senator Sonny Angara as a strong candidate for the DepEd leadership.

“I was approached by individuals close to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. seeking my opinion on Vice President Sara’s replacement at DepEd. I recommended Senator Angara as a potential candidate, though I’m unsure if the President received this suggestion,” Senate President Chiz Escudero said Friday (28 June 2024).