Chairman of the Committee on Basic Education, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, believes that the decision of Vice President Sara Duterte to resign as a Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary is political.
In an exclusive interview during Dos Por Dos on Thursday, Gatchalian said he was surprised upon learning that Duterte was resigning as DepEd secretary as they work simultaneously in her Department.
"Personally, nagulat ako dahil tuloy-tuloy ang aming pagtrabaho sa education committee. Gayundin ang aming pag-collaborate at coordinate, buo ang suporta sa mga ginagwa natin," the senator said.
"Nanghihinayang ako dahil marami nang naumpisahan tulad ng 'MATATAG Curriculum'," he added.
Gatchalian said even though they had a delay in imprinting textbooks for the new curriculum, they have full cooperation with the department.
"Yung kaniyang mag-resign [VP Sarah] ay political decision dahil sa trabaho wala namang problema. Kung ano ang magiging hugis ng pulitika, 'yun pa ang titingnan natin," he noted.
The Senator called out the leadership to have undersecretaries and assistant secretaries stay in their posts so as not to delay the implementation of many more programs.
He also suggests that the new appointee must be outside politics by saying "Education is for all."
"Maaga pa para sabihin kung ano ang magiging alliances, marami ang nakikiramdam kung ano ang mangyayari. Tinitingnan ko lang sa ngayon kung paano maipagpapatuloy ang mga programa sa DepEd," said the Senator.
During the Kapihan sa Senado on Wednesday, Gatchalian thanked the Vice President and outgoing Education Secretary for being a great partner in improving the country's education system.
The DepEd Secretary stepped down from her post on Wednesday, but she did not mention her reason.
Meanwhile, Duterte assured an orderly transition in DepEd which she assumed office since June 30, 2022
"Ano mang kwento, kahit gaano kaganda ay sadyang nagtatapos rin (Whatever story, no matter how good, still comes to an end). Earlier today, June 19, 2024, I sought an audience with the President and tendered my resignation as the Secretary of Education effective July 19, 2024," she said in a speech.
"I have given my 30-day notice to ensure the proper and orderly transition for the benefit of the next secretary," she added.
