The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) has thrown its support behind Education Secretary Sonny Angara, the former senator who was among those recently tagged in anomalous flood control projects.
In a statement on Tuesday, the country’s largest group of Filipino-Chinese businesses asserted that Angara had a solid track record as a lawmaker and is crucial in steering the country’s education sector.
‘Since his appointment, Secretary Angara has applied this exacting, reformist approach to the Department of Education,’ the FFCCCII said. ‘His leadership has been characterized by integrity, transparency, and a resolute focus on strengthening systems, empowering teachers, and improving learning outcomes.’
Earlier in November, Angara, along with Sen. Jinggoy Estrada and former senator Grace Poe, was accused by former Public Works undersecretary Roberto Bernardo of receiving kickbacks from multibillion-peso infrastructure projects by the government.
Angara had denied his involvement in the supposed infrastructure scheme. He had also rejected any suggestion for him to step down as education chief.
Unsubstantiated
For the FFCCCII, the accusations against Angara were ‘unsubstantiated.’ It stressed that any concern must be addressed through proper channels, not through an ‘unfair trial.’
‘We call for any legitimate concerns to be addressed swiftly and fairly through the proper channels. The national focus must remain unequivocally on supporting our educators and learners,’ the group said.
‘The FFCCCII expresses its full confidence in Secretary Angara’s leadership to steward this mission and stands united behind the imperative of allocating resources effectively for the benefit of all Filipino students,’ it added.