Ebdane quits DPWH

MANILA, Philippines - Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. resigned last night from President Arroyo’s Cabinet and affirmed his decision to run in the 2010 presidential elections.

DPWH spokesman and Undersecretary for Luzon Romeo Momo confirmed that Ebdane submitted to Malacanang his resignation letter “effective immediately,” ending questions on the sincerity of the Cabinet official to run for the highest government position.

The letter was dated Oct. 15, but was only submitted yesterday, coincidentally the same day that news reports came out that Malacanang was reportedly waiting for Ebdane to give his resignation letter.

He quit at a time when he was supervising over road and bridge repairs after the onslaught of typhoons “Ondoy” and “Pepeng.” He was also on top of the preparations for the coming typhoon “Ramil.”

Under Ebdane’s watch, the agency constructed vital infrastructures such as the Agas-Agas Bridge, Tullahan Bridge, Iloilo Flyover, and Talaingod-Bukidnon Road. But it was also under his term when the bid-rigging allegations in three World Bank projects came out.