PCGG exec quits

MANILA, Philippines – After just a month in his post, Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) Commissioner William Dichoso ended his second tour of duty at the commission.

PCGG Chairman Camilo Sabio confirmed that Dichoso submitted to him his irrevocable resignation two weeks ago, about a month after he took his oath of office last Jan. 25.

He declined to reveal the reasons for Dichoso’s abrupt departure from the PCGG, saying that it would be up to President Arroyo to appoint a replacement.

The resignation of Dichoso came amidst rumors that his re-appointment to the PCGG would be recalled by Malacañang in favor of the reappointment of former commissioner Nicasio Conti.

Conti, now in the United Kingdom pursuing post-graduate studies under the prestigious Chevening scholarship program, reportedly wanted to be reappointed to the PCCG, but which Sabio resisted.

Last January, Sabio ordered Conti investigated over an expose by Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile in a privilege speech that a P1-million contribution was solicited and received by the PCGG from a private company, Philcomsat Holdings Corp. (PHC), in 2005 for a Christmas party.

Sabio said Conti headed the committee that organized the 2005 Christmas party.

Last November, Sabio announced Malacañang’s  order for Conti’s relief as commissioner and his replacement with Dichoso who was first appointed to the PCGG in 2001 on recommendation of the late PCGG chairman Haydee Yorac.

In 2005, Dichoso left the PCGG after his appointment by Malacañang to the board of directors of the Development Bank of the Philippines.