RPPe Sec. Angara’s exemplary conduct at budget hearing praised, in stark contrast to VP Sara’s aggressive tactics

HOUSE leaders have praised Department of Education (DepEd) Sec. Sonny Angara for his exemplary conduct during a grueling almost 12-hour House Committee on Appropriations hearing on the agency’s proposed P793.18-billion budget for 2025, drawing a sharp contrast to the aggressive behavior of his predecessor, Vice President Sara Duterte.

They 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 these challenges head-on.

House Assistant Majority Leader and Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Jil Bongalon, vice chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, lauded Angara’s respectful and diligent approach, emphasizing his ability to address every question from lawmakers despite having only been at the helm of the DepEd for 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 administration,” he added.

House Deputy Majority Leader and Tingog Partylist 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, “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 1st District 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 concurred that Angara’s demeanor during the budget hearing sets a constructive tone for the future of DepEd.

Their remarks draw a sharp 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. (END)

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RPPe Solon backs Sec. Angara’s resolve to fix DepEd woes inherited from VP Sara

ZAMBOANGA del Norte 3rd District Rep. Adrian Michael Amatong on Monday night welcomed Sec. Sonny Angara’s commitment to tackle the deep-rooted issues plaguing the Department of Education (DepEd), many of which he inherited from Vice President Sara Duterte’s tenure as DepEd chief.

During a House budget hearing on DepEd’s proposed P793.18-billion budget for 2025, Amatong did not hold back in expressing his frustration over the state of the education system, particularly the department’s chronic procurement failures and the severe shortage of classrooms and textbooks nationwide. 

Amatong pointed out that these issues have persisted despite the availability of funds, which raises serious questions about the management under Vice President Duterte.

“Akala ko naman wala tayong pondo, meron pala. Di ko maintindihan anong klaseng katarantaduhan ang nangyayari, bakit nagsa-suffer ang mga bata? Kasi po kung wala tayong pondo, maintindihan ko eh, pero bakit po DepEd, bakit po, meron naman pala?” Amatong questioned, noting the failures that have left many students, especially those in poor districts, without textbooks and other essential learning tools.

But Amatong expressed optimism with Angara at the helm, praising his commitment to tackling these inherited issues head-on.

“We’ll make sure, Your Honor, that we will coordinate with you. Tayo, we pledge to be fair in the distribution of classrooms. Pagbigyan ninyo sana dahil bago pa po kami. Give us a chance to show, ipakita po namin ‘yun, na makaka-deliver  po kami,” Angara, who has been at the DepEd for only about six weeks, assured the House Committee on Appropriations.

Amatong acknowledged the magnitude of the challenges ahead for Angara, especially given the mismanagement that occurred under Duterte’s leadership. 

“Alam kong kailangan mo ng milagro dyan para maitama lahat,” Amatong remarked, recognizing that the new DepEd chief has inherited a department plagued by systemic issues.

He further emphasized the urgency of addressing the severe classroom shortage, which has left the country short by 160,000 classrooms. 

“We talk about improving the learning environment, about computers and textbooks, but if there are no classrooms, what kind of environment are we providing?” Amatong asked, pointing out that previous leadership had failed to prioritize this critical aspect of education.

Angara responded by reiterating his commitment to implementing the necessary changes within DepEd. 

“We are committed to making extraordinary efforts to address these concerns. We see the low obligation rates and undelivered resources, and we know this cannot continue. We will change the system,” Angara said.

Amatong expressed hope that with Angara’s leadership, the long-standing issues within DepEd would finally be resolved. 

He also urged Congress to fully fund DepEd’s request for an additional P30 billion for classrooms, underscoring the importance of providing every student with a proper learning environment. 

“Let’s ensure that every student has a proper learning environment,” Amatong said as he threw his support behind Angara’s efforts to reform and revitalize the education sector. (END)

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RPPe Solon backs Sec. Angara’s resolve to fix DepEd woes inherited from VP Sara

ZAMBOANGA del Norte 3rd District Rep. Adrian Michael Amatong on Monday night welcomed Sec. Sonny Angara’s commitment to tackle the deep-rooted issues plaguing the Department of Education (DepEd), many of which he inherited from Vice President Sara Duterte’s tenure as DepEd chief.

During a House budget hearing on DepEd’s proposed P793.18-billion budget for 2025, Amatong did not hold back in expressing his frustration over the state of the education system, particularly the department’s chronic procurement failures and the severe shortage of classrooms and textbooks nationwide. 

Amatong pointed out that these issues have persisted despite the availability of funds, which raises serious questions about the management under Vice President Duterte.

“Akala ko naman wala tayong pondo, meron pala. Di ko maintindihan anong klaseng katarantaduhan ang nangyayari, bakit nagsa-suffer ang mga bata? Kasi po kung wala tayong pondo, maintindihan ko eh, pero bakit po DepEd, bakit po, meron naman pala?” Amatong questioned, noting the failures that have left many students, especially those in poor districts, without textbooks and other essential learning tools.

But Amatong expressed optimism with Angara at the helm, praising his commitment to tackling these inherited issues head-on.

“We’ll make sure, Your Honor, that we will coordinate with you. Tayo, we pledge to be fair in the distribution of classrooms. Pagbigyan ninyo sana dahil bago pa po kami. Give us a chance to show, ipakita po namin ‘yun, na makaka-deliver  po kami,” Angara, who has been at the DepEd for only about six weeks, assured the House Committee on Appropriations.

Amatong acknowledged the magnitude of the challenges ahead for Angara, especially given the mismanagement that occurred under Duterte’s leadership. 

“Alam kong kailangan mo ng milagro dyan para maitama lahat,” Amatong remarked, recognizing that the new DepEd chief has inherited a department plagued by systemic issues.

He further emphasized the urgency of addressing the severe classroom shortage, which has left the country short by 160,000 classrooms. 

“We talk about improving the learning environment, about computers and textbooks, but if there are no classrooms, what kind of environment are we providing?” Amatong asked, pointing out that previous leadership had failed to prioritize this critical aspect of education.

Angara responded by reiterating his commitment to implementing the necessary changes within DepEd. 

“We are committed to making extraordinary efforts to address these concerns. We see the low obligation rates and undelivered resources, and we know this cannot continue. We will change the system,” Angara said.

Amatong expressed hope that with Angara’s leadership, the long-standing issues within DepEd would finally be resolved. 

He also urged Congress to fully fund DepEd’s request for an additional P30 billion for classrooms, underscoring the importance of providing every student with a proper learning environment. 

“Let’s ensure that every student has a proper learning environment,” Amatong said as he threw his support behind Angara’s efforts to reform and revitalize the education sector. (END)

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RPPe House leaders want probe into VP Duterte’s DepEd alleged ‘irregular bidding’ of laptops, others that cost govt P1.6B

A leader of the Young Guns in the House of Representatives has sought an in-depth congressional probe into the alleged irregularities in the bidding of laptops and other electronic devices under the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Computerization Program, which put the government at a disadvantage amounting to P1.6 billion during Vice President Sara Duterte's tenure as Education Secretary.

During the hearing on the P793.18 billion proposed DepEd’s budget Monday, House Assistant Majority Leader and Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Jil Bongalon, a vice chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, raised possible irregularities in the bidding of the P8-billion fund for the purchase of laptops that had two biddings.

“Sa madaling sabi po, Madam Chair, rigged po ‘yung bidding,” Bongalon alleged. 

“And I would like to manifest, Madam Chair, this warrants an in-depth investigation probably in a proper committee after this budget hearing,”

Bongalon said to the House Committee on Appropriations briefing presided by Davao de Oro Rep. Maria Carmen Zamora.

Without objections, the House Committee on Appropriations carried Batangas 2nd District Rep. Gerville “Jinky” Luistro's motion to issue a subpoena duces tecum to DepEd. 

Bongalon exposed what he described as an alleged “conspiracy” behind the bidding of P8 billion worth of laptops and other related equipment for public schools.

“I would just like to say na may conspiracy na naganap. Imagine, nagbidding na, and it’s all favorable to the government tapos nag-rebidding naging 1% yung variance. Hindi po ba yun malaking kuwestiyon sa DepEd family?” Bongalon asked. 

“Sa madaling sabi dito, Madam Chair, tumaas ang presyo ng laptop, and it is because of the conspiracy of the people behind this bidding of laptops,” he said. 

He told new DepEd Sec. Sonny Angara said that he may not be able to answer his questions as he would raise concerns about the procurement of laptops and other equipment for public schools in 2022 and 2023.

Answering Bongalon's queries, DepEd Undersecretary Gerard Chan said that during the first bidding, out of the 16 lots up for bidding, only two were awarded, and the 14 other disqualified bidders were allowed to bid again in a rebidding.

Bongalon said that according to information received by his office, a 24% variance was recorded during the first bidding. 

He was surprised to learn that during the rebidding, the variance went down to only 1%, which resulted in the government losing as much as P1.6 billion.

“I raise these concerns because probably there is an irregularity in the procurement. And there are personalities involved at mayroon pong nakialam dito, yun po ang paniniwala ko,” Bongalon said.

“Kasi nagkaroon na po ng bidding. Ang hindi ko po maintindihan, bakit hindi natin tinuloy? Sayang po ng P1.6 billion na mase-save po ng ating gobyerno. Sabihin na lamang natin na ang laptop is worth P100,000, ilang laptops na po ang mabibili nun?” he said. “So I want answers, Madam Chair, from the Department of Education kung sino po ang mga personalidad during that time.”

Chan succeeded former DepEd Undersecretaries Michael Poa and Gloria Mercado.

Poa has joined Duterte in the Office of the Vice President as her spokesperson, while Mercado has availed herself of early retirement. 

Another DedEd official, Bongalon, dragged into the procurement mess, former Assistant Secretary Francis Cesar Bringas, has resigned.

Chan said that during the first bidding, Bringas was the chairperson of the Bids and Awards Committee, and Mercado was the Head of the Procuring Entity (HOPE). He said both are no longer connected to DepEd.

Chan added that the one who replaced Mercado as HOPE during the second bidding was former DepEd USec Michael Poa, now the spokesperson of VP Duterte.

Bongalon pressed Chan on why the computerization program fund was rebidded and asked him to explain the reduced variance of 1%. Chan was not able to answer the query.

“The Filipino people deserve to know, dahil pondo po ito ng taumbayan. Ang pondo pong ito ay para pambili ng laptop and other ECLs. So ‘yun lang po ang aking kinukwestyon dito, the possible irregularity, the graft and corruption that is so patent in this bidding,” Bongalon alleged.

Bongalon raised the possibility that some of the members of the BAC then or the HOPE may have something to do with the irregularity in the bidding.

“Probably, Madam Chair, involved dito ang mga nakaupo sa BAC and, of course, ‘yung head of the procuring entity,” he said. (END)

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RPPe Speaker Romualdez facilitates the request for the release of P390M in calamity aid 

Begins its relief mission this Tuesday for areas affected by Enteng 

UPON the instruction of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Monday night facilitated the request for the immediate release of P390 million in financial aid to indigent citizens affected by the onslaught of heavy rains brought about by Typhoon Enteng, which left many areas in Metro Manila and CALABARZON flooded.

Speaker Romualdez and Tingog Party-list, utilizing their disaster relief funds, will distribute around 35,000 food packs—each containing canned goods, noodles, and rice—beginning Tuesday at evacuation centers in Metro Manila and Rizal.

“Sisimulan natin ngayon ang ating relief mission katuwang ang Tingog Partylist. Nauna tayong humiling ng hiwalay na pinansiyal na ayuda para sa mga distritong nasalanta alinsunod sa direktiba ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos na alalayan ang mga naapektuhan ng bagyo,” Speaker Romualdez said. “My heartfelt sympathies are with all Filipino families affected by Typhoon Enteng. The flooding in the National Capital Region and CALABARZON, especially soon after Typhoon Carina, is a heavy burden.”

“I understand how overwhelming it must be to face these challenges back-to-back, and I want you to know that you are not alone – we stand with you during this difficult time,” the leader of the 300-plus-strong House of Representatives added.

Speaker Romualdez, a lawyer from the University of the Philippines (UP), said that the financial aid will amount to P10 million and will be distributed to families in each of the 39 congressional districts affected by the typhoon.

The P390 million financial assistance for flood victims will be funded under the Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). 

“We, at the House of Representatives, have quickly organized financial assistance to help those in need. Through the DSWD AKAP Program, we are providing P10,000 to each of the affected families. While this may be a small step, I hope it offers some immediate relief and helps you begin the process of rebuilding,” Speaker Romualdez expressed.

“I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the House Members who moved swiftly to ensure this support reached those who need it most. Their dedication to serving their communities in such trying times is commendable,” he added.

This financial assistance, Speaker Romualdez said, will be distributed to the most vulnerable residents along the path of Typhoon Enteng to allow them to recover as quickly as possible.

The beneficiaries of the cash aid will be constituents of the following district representatives: Rep. Oscar Malapitan, Rep. Mary Mitzi Cajayon-Uy, Rep. Dean Asistio, Rep. Camille Villar, Rep. Romulo Peña Jr., Rep. Luis Campos Jr., Rep. Josephine Veronique Lacson-Noel, Rep. Neptali Gonzales II, Rep. Ernix Dionisio, Rep. Rolando Valeriano, Rep. Joel Chua, Rep. Edward Maceda, Rep. Irwin Tieng, Rep. Benny Abante, Rep. Maan Teodoro, Rep. Stella Quimbo, Rep. Jaime Fresnedi, Rep. Toby Tiangco, 

Rep. Edwin Olivarez, Rep. Gustavo Tambunting, Rep. Antonino Calixto, Rep. Roman Romulo, Rep. Arjo Atayde, Rep. Ralph Tulfo, Rep. Franz Pumaren, Rep. Marvin Rillo, Rep. PM Vargas, Rep. Marivic Co-Pilar, Rep. Bel Zamora, Rep. Ading Cruz, Rep. Pammy Zamora, Rep. Eric Martinez, Rep. Michael John Duavit, Rep. Dino Tanjuatco, Rep. Jose Arturo Garcia, Rep. Juan Fidel Nograles, Rep. Mark Enverga, Rep. Romeo Acop and Rep. Robbie Puno.

“As we work together to recover from the effects of Typhoon Enteng, let us continue to support one another. Though the road ahead may be challenging, with compassion and determination, I believe we can rebuild and move forward,” Speaker Romualdez said. “To the typhoon victims, please take care and remember that we are with you every step of the way.” (END)

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PPe Speaker Romualdez facilitates the request for the release of P390M in calamity aid 

Begins its relief mission this Tuesday for areas affected by Enteng 

UPON the instruction of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Monday night facilitated the request for the immediate release of P390 million in financial aid to indigent citizens affected by the onslaught of heavy rains brought about by Typhoon Enteng, which left many areas in Metro Manila and CALABARZON flooded.

Speaker Romualdez and Tingog Party-list, utilizing their disaster relief funds, will distribute around 35,000 food packs—each containing canned goods, noodles, and rice—beginning Tuesday at evacuation centers in Metro Manila and Rizal.

“Sisimulan natin ngayon ang ating relief mission katuwang ang Tingog Partylist. Nauna tayong humiling ng hiwalay na pinansiyal na ayuda para sa mga distritong nasalanta alinsunod sa direktiba ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos na alalayan ang mga naapektuhan ng bagyo,” Speaker Romualdez said. “My heartfelt sympathies are with all Filipino families affected by Typhoon Enteng. The flooding in the National Capital Region and CALABARZON, especially soon after Typhoon Carina, is a heavy burden.”

“I understand how overwhelming it must be to face these challenges back-to-back, and I want you to know that you are not alone – we stand with you during this difficult time,” the leader of the 300-plus-strong House of Representatives added.

Speaker Romualdez, a lawyer from the University of the Philippines (UP), said that the financial aid will amount to P10 million and will be distributed to families in each of the 39 congressional districts affected by the typhoon.

The P390 million financial assistance for flood victims will be funded under the Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). 

“We, at the House of Representatives, have quickly organized financial assistance to help those in need. Through the DSWD AKAP Program, we are providing P10,000 to each of the affected families. While this may be a small step, I hope it offers some immediate relief and helps you begin the process of rebuilding,” Speaker Romualdez expressed.

“I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the House Members who moved swiftly to ensure this support reached those who need it most. Their dedication to serving their communities in such trying times is commendable,” he added.

This financial assistance, Speaker Romualdez said, will be distributed to the most vulnerable residents along the path of Typhoon Enteng to allow them to recover as quickly as possible.

The beneficiaries of the cash aid will be constituents of the following district representatives: Rep. Oscar Malapitan, Rep. Mary Mitzi Cajayon-Uy, Rep. Dean Asistio, Rep. Camille Villar, Rep. Romulo Peña Jr., Rep. Luis Campos Jr., Rep. Josephine Veronique Lacson-Noel, Rep. Neptali Gonzales II, Rep. Ernix Dionisio, Rep. Rolando Valeriano, Rep. Joel Chua, Rep. Edward Maceda, Rep. Irwin Tieng, Rep. Benny Abante, Rep. Maan Teodoro, Rep. Stella Quimbo, Rep. Jaime Fresnedi, Rep. Toby Tiangco, 

Rep. Edwin Olivarez, Rep. Gustavo Tambunting, Rep. Antonino Calixto, Rep. Roman Romulo, Rep. Arjo Atayde, Rep. Ralph Tulfo, Rep. Franz Pumaren, Rep. Marvin Rillo, Rep. PM Vargas, Rep. Marivic Co-Pilar, Rep. Bel Zamora, Rep. Ading Cruz, Rep. Pammy Zamora, Rep. Eric Martinez, Rep. Michael John Duavit, Rep. Dino Tanjuatco, Rep. Jose Arturo Garcia, Rep. Juan Fidel Nograles, Rep. Mark Enverga, Rep. Romeo Acop and Rep. Robbie Puno.

“As we work together to recover from the effects of Typhoon Enteng, let us continue to support one another. Though the road ahead may be challenging, with compassion and determination, I believe we can rebuild and move forward,” Speaker Romualdez said. “To the typhoon victims, please take care and remember that we are with you every step of the way.” (END)

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PPe VP Sara Duterte challenged to prove billions in funds were spent for socio-economic programs in Metro Manila

MANILA Rep. Rolando Valeriano challenged Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday to prove where and how her office spent billions in funds for socio-economic programs last year and this year.

In a privilege speech, Valeriano also criticized the country’s second highest official for the rude and disrespectful behavior she showed during the House Committee on Appropriations hearing on her 2025 P2.037 billion budget Tuesday last week.

Valeriano, who chairs the House Committee on Metro Manila development, said if the vice president cannot support her socio-economic program expenditures with evidence, people would suspect the funds had been wasted.

He said he was surprised to find out that Metro Manila was the focus of the spending despite Duterte being the Vice President of the entire nation.

“Ang nakapagtataka sa kanyang budget ng 2023, 2024, at 2025 ay bakit sa National Capital Region lang nakalaan ang mga ayuda programs niya. Bilang Chairman ng House Committee on Metro Manila Development, nagtataka lang ako kung saan dito sa Metro Manila napunta ang bilyong pondo ng Socioeconomic Programs ng kanyang opisina,” he said.

“Nagtataka ako dahil siya naman ay Pangalawang Pangulo ng buong bayan,” he added.

“Sa kanilang 2025 budget proposal, mayroon silang 977, 615 beneficiaries. Nasaan na ang mga ito? Totoo ba ito lahat at verified ba?” Valeriano asked.

He told his colleagues that according to the OVP, it signed 793 “strategic partnerships” for implementing its programs in 2023.

“Nasaan ang listahan ng strategic partnerships at mga strategic partnership agreements? At kapag walang totoong listahan ng beneficiaries at dokumento ng strategic partnership, hindi malayong maghinala ang taumbayan na nawala ang pondo ng bayan, para siguro sa darating na panahon,” he said.

He lamented that instead of explaining her programs and where the funds were spent in last week’s hearing, the Vice President repeatedly refused to answer questions and showed hostility toward House members.

“At bilang pagtatapos, nais ko lang ipaalala sa mga botante sa Maynila at sa buong bansa, hindi nararapat sa atin, lalo na't siya'y nag-aambisyon na maging Pangulo, ang ayaw magsabi kung saan ginastos ang pondo ng bayan,” Valeriano said.

He asked who VP Duterte is serving.

“Sino ba talaga ang boss at pinaglilingkuran niya? Baka naman ang boss niya ay humaharang sa bangka ng mga Pilipinong mangingisda o ang mga promotor ng POGO,” he said.

“Ganyan ba ang asal ng ating Bise Presidente at nag-aambisyong maging Presidente? We deserve better,” he said.

He reminded the Vice President that the appropriations for her office come from taxpayers’ money and her expenditures are subject to scrutiny by Congress.

“Hindi pera ng  Pangalawang Pangulo ang Office of the Vice President budget para sa 2022, 2023, 2024, at 2025. Pondo ng bayan iyan. Kaya nga mayroong budget hearings ay para malaman ng ‘madlang pipol’ kung paano ginagastos ng mga opisina ng gobyerno ang pondo ng bayan na ipinagkatiwala sa kanila,” he said.

He said the hostile, rude and disrespectful behavior exhibited by the Vice President last week is not typical of Filipino demeanor.

“Dito sa Kamara, hindi natin tinatapatan ng kabatusan ang kabastusan. Maling asal kasi iyon. Sa Maynila, at dito sa Kamara pamantayan natin ang pagiging magalang, kasi kaugaliang Pilipino iyan,” he said.

“Maling akala ni Vice President na siya ay hindi maaaring salungatin ng kahit sino…Maling akala ni VP Sara na may kapangyarihan siyang utusan ang Committee on Appropriations na palitan ang Presiding Officer nito…Maling akala rin ni VP Sara na wala tayong karapatan magtanong ng anumang bagay tungkol sa budget ng kanyang opisina,” he said.

He added that it was cowardice on the part of Duterte to evade questioning by lawmakers who have the right and duty to ask questions about her budget.

“Isang kaduwagan at pag iwas sa tanong ang kanyang sagot. Iyan ang nagdudumilat na katotohanang nasaksihan natin sa budget hearing. Takot sa mga lehitimong mga tanong ng taumbayan,” he stressed. (END)