MANILA, Philippines - Former Secretary Alberto Lim will stay at the helm of the Department of Tourism (DOT) until President Aquino has designated his successor.
“Immediately after Secretary Lim had announced his resignation, he did say that he will stay on until the President names his replacement,” said deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte.
President Aquino himself had said he had spoken to the incoming Tourism secretary and is giving him more time to ponder on the tasks ahead of him and to enjoy his privacy before joining the government.
It was earlier reported that Lim’s successor would be advertising executive Ramon Jimenez of Woo Consultancy, a friend of Aquino who helped him in the presidential campaign.
In a press briefing in Malacañang, Lim said he resigned because of “personal” reasons, one of which is the effect of his job on his family life.
“I’m not accustomed to the ways of government. I’m from the private sector. From the past 56 weeks, I’ve been traveling almost every weekend,” he said.
Lim was rumored to be among the three Cabinet members who were giving Aquino problems.
“The point is, it (government service) took its toll (on me). The family should also have some time. I’d like to spend more time with my family,” Lim said, acknowledging at the same time that “I cannot deny that it (spending less time with my family) has an effect on me.”
A source said Lim was forced to resign because Aquino was displeased with the way he was handling the DOT.
The last time Lim went to Malacañang was on July 29 when he submitted the detailed tourism roadmap he had been working on in his first year in government service.