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Bella Cariaso - The Philippine Star
January 8, 2026 | 12:00am
Education Secretary Sonny Angara.
Department of Education
MANILA, Philippines — Education Secretary Sonny Angara serves at the pleasure of President Marcos, an official of the Department of Education (DepEd) said amid reports of a Cabinet revamp.
In a message to The STAR, DepEd chief media relations officer Dennis Legaspi said Angara would continue to carry out his mandate unless directed otherwise.
“Unless otherwise told, our good Secretary will continue to work and push for meaningful reforms, in line with President Marcos’ order to improve the education sector, especially for our students and teachers,” Legaspi said.
Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro maintained that there would be no changes in Marcos’ Cabinet for now, following a report that an “extensive” revamp could affect as many as nine agencies.
“There are no Cabinet changes at this time,” Castro said.
An online news site earlier reported that the supposed Cabinet shake-up was meant to address the President’s declining trust and approval ratings.
Among the agencies reportedly under review are the Departments of Health, Education, Foreign Affairs, Transportation, Tourism, Information and Communications Technology, Public Works and Highways, and Economy, Planning and Development, as well as the Bureau of Customs.
The report also alleged that Technical Education and Skills Development Authority director general Kiko Benitez is being eyed to replace Angara at DepEd.
Asked about the speculation, Legaspi said, “We will not comment on rumors and will instead remain focused on delivering reforms ordered by the President.”
Herbosa: It’s up to President
The same report also said that Health Secretary Ted Herbosa appears to be on thin ice, claiming that Marcos is looking for his replacement amid controversies and complaints of incompetence in the health department.
However, Herbosa yesterday denied that he is on his way out of the Cabinet.
Speaking at a Palace press briefing, Herbosa noted Castro had already clarified that there is no revamp in the Cabinet.
“There’s no truth to that,” the health chief said. “We in the Cabinet all serve at the pleasure of the President. So, if ever the President wants to replace me, that is the prerogative of our President,” he added. – Alexis Romero
