NDRRMC executive director resigns to care for wife

MANILA, Philippines - National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) executive director Benito Ramos has resigned from his post to take care of his ailing wife.

President Aquino is likely to accept Ramos’ resignation as NDRRMC head, Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office Secretary Ricky Carandang said yesterday.

Ramos’ resignation takes effect on Feb. 1.

He submitted his resignation letter to Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin last Jan. 8, a copy of which was furnished to the media yesterday.

“I regret to submit my request for the third time to resign my designation as administrator of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and executive director of NDRRMC,” Ramos said in his letter.

“I now must yield this post for the sake of compassion to my ailing spouse to spend more time with her,” he added.

Sources said Ramos tried to resign in May 2011 and again in May last year, but Gazmin refused to forward his resignation letter to the President.

Defense spokesman Peter Galvez confirmed that Ramos tried to quit from his post previously.

“This is his third time to submit a resignation. During his first two attempts, the secretary asked him to stay put because of the critical nature of his job,” Galvez said in a phone interview.

This time around, Gazmin said that he had forwarded Ramos’ resignation letter to President Aquino.

Galvez said Gazmin had considered the health condition of Ramos’ wife, who is suffering from diabetes.

Gazmin said retired military general Eduardo del Rosario is being eyed as Ramos’ replacement.

A member of the Philippine Military Academy’s Class ‘80, Del Rosario headed Task Force Kalihim, which conducted search operations after the aircraft carrying then interior secretary Jesse Robredo crashed off Masbate in August last year. 

As NDRRMC chief, Ramos had been at the forefront of government response during the worst typhoons that hit the Philippines – “Ondoy” in 2009, “Sendong” in 2011 and “Pablo” last year.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma said Ramos would be a big loss to the administration because of his hard work and dedication to public service.

DTI undersecretary resigns

Meanwhile, Trade Undersecretary Cristino Panlilio has resigned from his post.

Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo said in a text message that Panlilio’s replacement has yet to be named.

Panlilio tendered his resignation late last month and will take effect on Jan. 16.

He was appointed DTI undersecretary for trade and investment promotions in July 2010. – With Aurea Calica, Louella Desiderio