Vice President Sara Duterte Resigns from Cabinet Posts, New Education Secretary Named

On June 19, Vice President Sara Duterte announced her irrevocable resignation as Education Secretary and Co-Vice Chairperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC). Duterte will continue to serve as the country’s Vice President. This resignation was of no surprise to political observers who predicted that the alliance between the Marcos and Duterte families was bound to collapse as a result of their growing political differences. Despite the expectation that this alliance would disintegrate, analysts were surprised by how soon it broke down. Early in his Presidency, Marcos reversed many of Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s policies, including those related to South China Sea and the war on drugs. With the upcoming 2025 midterm elections, the Vice President’s resignation could create the political freedom she needs to oppose President Marcos by first endorsing her own set of candidates for the midterm polls and possibly contesting the presidency in 2028. However, Vice President Duterte’s resignation from the cabinet is not anticipated to have any immediate impact on businesses and investments.
 
On July 2, President Marcos named Senator Sonny Angara as new Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd), replacing Vice President Sara Duterte. The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) highlighted Angara’s extensive legislative history, specifically his championing of educational reforms such as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act and the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2023. As Education Secretary, Angara committed to working with all sectors in ensuring quality education. Following the appointment, the DepEd, teacher groups, and other lawmakers welcomed Angara as incoming secretary and eagerly anticipate his progressive stance on education concerns. Senator Angara’s seat in the Senate will remain vacant until it is filled after the 2025 midterm elections.