The Department of Education (DepEd Philippines) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) categorically deny the false and misleading claims in a recent article alleging that CHED Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis sought to replace Education Secretary Sonny Angara as Head of the Philippine delegation to the 14th ASEAN Education Ministers Meeting and Related Meetings in Singapore.

At no point did Chairperson Agrupis seek to lead the Philippine delegation or challenge Secretary Angara’s designation as Head of Delegation. Secretary Angara has always been the duly designated Head of Delegation, consistent with established ASEAN protocols.

DepEd formally invited Chairperson Agrupis to join the Philippine delegation to ensure that the country’s higher education priorities are fully represented in the regional discussions and aligned with the Philippines’ overall education agenda.

Her participation is particularly important in advancing the implementation of three major ASEAN higher education initiatives adopted during the CHED-hosted Ministers’ Roundtable in Manila on June 26, 2026: the ASEAN Ministerial Statement on Access to Quality Higher Education through Digital Transformation and Sustainability, the ASEAN Centre of Excellence for Teacher Education and Development, and the ASEAN GEMS Plus Project.

DepEd sought guidance from the Department of Foreign Affairs to ensure that appropriate diplomatic courtesies and protocol arrangements would be extended to Chairperson Agrupis as a Cabinet-level official. This had nothing to do with the leadership of the delegation.

Chairperson Agrupis’ participation is consistent with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen coordination among the country’s trifocalized education agencies. DepEd, CHED, and TESDA continue to work closely to align policies and programs and ensure a more seamless education system.

DepEd and CHED remain united in advancing the country’s education agenda and ensuring a strong, coherent, and productive Philippine participation in the ASEAN meetings.

We recognize that public officials must remain open to scrutiny, and we welcome constructive criticism grounded in facts. Honest criticism strengthens institutions and helps leaders improve. However, unsubstantiated accusations, speculations, and insinuations must never replace truth, fairness, evidence, and responsible public discourse.

We will not allow unfounded allegations to distract us from the work that must be done. Neither criticism nor recognition should dictate the course of public service. That course must always be guided by duty, conscience, and the welfare of the people. Public service has never been about us. It has always been—and will always be—about the Filipino learner.