DepEd official’s involvement in flood control mess won’t disrupt Angara’s job 

Amid allegations that one of his deputies received kickbacks from anomalous flood control projects, Education Secretary and former senator Edgardo “Sonny” Angara assured the public that the Department of Education (DepEd) remains firmly committed to its mission of providing quality education.

Angara issued the statement after former Department of Public Works and Highways undersecretary Roberto Bernardo told the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee that DepEd undersecretary Trygve Olaivar had sought a list of ₱2.85 billion worth of projects in 2024, allegedly tied to a 15-percent “commission” from unprogrammed funds under the Office of the Executive Secretary.

“We uphold the highest standards of integrity, and DepEd remains firmly focused on its foremost duty: delivering quality education to every Filipino learner. That mission continues to guide all that we do,” Angara stressed.

He added that Olaivar has denied the claims and has taken a leave of absence to allow due process. Angara also vowed full cooperation with the ongoing Senate inquiry.Despite the controversy, Angara emphasized that DepEd’s mandate to strengthen literacy and support the Marcos Jr. administration’s education agenda will not waver. TRACY CABRERA