Former VP Leni Robredo Suggested as New DepEd Secretary

As discussions swirl online about former Vice President Leni Robredo potentially replacing Vice President Sara Duterte as the Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd), key political figures weigh in on the matter. Albay 1st District Representative and Liberal Party (LP) President Edcel Lagman commented on the possibility but noted that no such offer has been made by the Marcos Jr. administration.

Lagman shared that he does not expect President Marcos Jr. to offer Robredo the position. However, he emphasized that if such an offer were made, it would be carefully considered. “We do not expect the President to offer her this position. But if she is offered, it will be studied thoroughly. It’s an opportunity for our former Vice President to continue her service to the people,” Lagman stated.

In a recent conversation with Robredo, Lagman learned that she is planning to run for mayor of Naga in the 2025 elections. This plan indicates Robredo’s continued commitment to public service, albeit on a local level.

Lagman, along with other lawmakers from the Makabayan bloc, urged President Marcos Jr. to appoint a new DepEd chief who has a solid background in education. They stressed the importance of selecting someone who can address the current issues in the country’s education system, rather than making a purely political appointment.

“All we want is for the President to appoint someone who is a true advocate for education, an experienced and dedicated educator who understands the problems of our education system and knows the solutions,” Lagman said.

ACT Teachers party-list Representative France Castro echoed these sentiments, calling for a DepEd secretary with real solutions for the education crisis. “We hope President Marcos Jr. appoints a new education secretary not based on political accommodation. We need someone competent, with deep knowledge of the educational system. We need a secretary who cares deeply for teachers, supports salary increases, and advocates for benefits and other support for education workers,” Castro added.

As the country waits for the President’s decision, the education sector remains hopeful for a leader who can bring about meaningful change and address the pressing challenges it faces.