Edu Sec Sonny Angara denies kickback allegations

Education Secretary Sonny Angara has denied calls for his resignation, labeling allegations of kickbacks from flood control projects as mere hearsay unsupported by evidence.

He stated that any accusations against him lack specific details and would likely be dismissed in a legal setting.

His response comes amid a series of resignations in the Cabinet, including those of Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, due to their alleged involvement in budget insertions.

The allegations against Angara were brought forward by former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, who accused Angara, along with Senator Jinggoy Estrada and former Senator Grace Poe, of collecting kickbacks from billions of pesos worth of flood control projects.

Bernardo's affidavit specifically mentioned Education Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar, a former staff of Angara in the Senate, allegedly receiving 'deliveries' equivalent to 12% of project costs while Angara chaired the Senate Finance Committee.

Angara, with 21 years in public service, has consistently maintained his innocence and asserted he has never engaged in corruption.