Malacañang has assured that services to the public will continue despite the resignation of Energy Secretary Carlo Jericho Petilla.
Petilla, who cited personal reasons for leaving his post, is the second member of the Aquino government to quit this month, after Customs Commissioner John Philip Sevilla.
“Titiyakin po ng ating pamahalaan na walang pagkaantala o pagkabalam sa paghatid ng mahalagang serbisyo sa ating mamamayan,” Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. told reporters during Wednesday’s press briefing.
While President Benigno S. Aquino III talked about Petilla’s resignation on Tuesday, Coloma said he cannot recall any discussion about any definite date.
“Tinalakay po ni Pangulong Aquino iyan kahapon at ipinaliwanag niya ang sitwasyon. Wala po akong naalalang pinag-usapan na definite date. Ang tama pong procedure diyan ay nagkakaroon ng unawaan kung kailan ito magaganap at ang pagtanggap ng pagbibitiw ng Cabinet member o presidential appointee ay opisyal na ipinapahayag ng Office of the Executive Secretary on behalf of the President. Iyan po ang procedure na susundin. Wala pa po tayong abiso na natatanggap hinggil diyan,” he said.
“Ang mahalagang ipinahayag ng Pangulo kahapon ay ang pagtiyak na magkakaroon ng smooth transition sa aspetong ‘yan ng pagpupuno sa posisyon ng Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary,” he added.
Coloma said the President also explained the difficulty of finding a replacement as he discussed Petilla’s resignation.
“Ipinaliwanag niya na hindi naman talaga madali makakuha ng mga kwalipikado at dedicated public servants, dahil marami pong challenges ang public service,” said the Palace official.
He said President Aquino is also preparing for what will happen in October when the filing of certificates of candidacy begins.
“Sinabi din niya ang realidad na pagdating ng buwan ng Oktubre sa taong ito, nakatakda na ang pagsusumite o pag-file ng certificates of candidacy at totoo naman, batid naman ito na mayroong mga kasapi ng Gabinete na maaaring maghain ng kanilang kandidatura at kapag naganap iyan, kinakailangang tiyakin na hindi nga magkakaroon ng pagkaantala o pagkabalam sa paghahatid ng serbisyo publiko. Kaya iyan ang pinaghahandaan ng ating Pangulo,” said Coloma.
Reports said Petilla celebrated his birthday at the DOE office on Wednesday, the event also serving as his farewell party. PND (jm)
