Lapus’ designation has been criticized by DepEd employees and other teachers’ organizations.

Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye said Mrs. Arroyo’s decision to give the DepEd portfolio to Lapus, whom she described as a "technocrat-politician," is a strategic move of the President aimed at "eradicating poverty through education."

"The appointment of Secretary Lapus is a strategic move of our President, just like the appointment of Lt. Gen. (Hermogenes) Esperon, and she believes that these appointments will help strengthen the national security, and our programs to eradicate poverty through education," Bunye said.

"We believe that based on credentials and track record, these two appointees of the President will be very effective members of President Arroyo’s Cabinet in pursuing her economic agenda and, of course, her security agenda," he added.

DepEd employees staged a walkout from their offices in Pasig City on Wednesday after Malacañang officially announced Lapus’ appointment as new DepEd secretary. They said Lapus is not qualified for the post as he has no background in teaching.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita dismissed the walkout as being brought about by a mere "burst of emotion" among the department’s employees and teachers.

The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), which endorsed DepEd officer-in-charge Fe Hidalgo to assume the top post at the department, aired the suspicion that Lapus’ appointment was meant to ensure for Mrs. Arroyo the continued support of the administration bloc of congressmen at the House of Representatives.

Presidential Chief of Staff Michael Defensor said the National People’s Coalition (NPC), Lapus’ political party, had earlier lobbied to Malacañang for his appointment to the post when he relinquishes his designation as chairman of the Ways and Means Committee of the House of Representatives to Lakas Rep. Herminio Teves of Negros Oriental.

Lapus refuted the claims of critics and pointed out that his background on teaching consists of stints as a professor at the Ateneo de Manila University and Miriam College. He also said that being a career educator is not a qualification for the top post at the DepEd.

He said his background on management and connections with Official Development Assistance partners could be employed by the DepEd in addressing the "huge resource gaps in the Philippine education system." (David Cagahastian)