Bersamin denies resignation, slams corruption claims
MANILA, Philippines — Former executive secretary Lucas Bersamin on Wednesday, November 18, denied resigning despite the Palace announcing that he had already quit his post out of delicadeza.
After being tagged in the flood control corruption mess, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) announced on Monday, November 17, that Bersamin, along with former Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, had tendered their resignations. Bersamin was replaced by former Finance Secretary Ralph Recto.
“Masarap pakinggan ang out of delicadeza. Pero ‘di naman totoo 'yan, ‘di ako nag-resign,” Bersamin said in a phone interview with reporters.
(Delicadeza sounds nice to the ear. But that is not true, I did not resign.)
Bersamin said the only letter he ever sent was the one he sent yesterday, November 18, stating that he bowed to the prerogative of the president.
However, Bersamin said that he did receive a call from a “close friend,” saying that he needed to leave as the executive secretary. To which he responded that he was open to leaving. However, he did not say when this call was.
Bersamin was only able to speak to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. after the Palace announced his so-called resignation. The former executive secretary did not disclose what they spoke about, but he said the discussion ended amicably.
Bersamin and Marcos were even able to take a formal photo together, he said.
“When you serve at the pleasure of the president, no reason is necessary,” Bersamin told reporters.
The former “Little President” said that he initially felt bad that the PCO would announce without consulting him, but did not feel like wasting time worrying about it, acknowledging that they could just be following orders or had been given the impression that he resigned.
Bersamin merely wanted to correct the notion that he resigned because it made it seem like he was running away from something—an allegation he denied.
The former executive secretary was initially tagged by resigned lawmaker Zaldy Co as being involved in the infra kickback scheme. These allegations were further fueled when former Department of Public Works and Highways undersecretary Robert Bernardo claimed that Bersamin handled P52 billion in kickback funds.
Bersamin said he knew nothing about these claims.
“That’s my big problem because I know nothing about that. The Office of the Executive Secretary does not have anything to do with insertions or budget,” Bersamin said.
Asked if he was being made out to be a scapegoat, Bersamin sidestepped the question.
Bersamin, a longtime justice for the Supreme Court before his appointment, thumbed down the accusations being lodged against him. Everything being said about him needed to be established in a court, not social media, he said.
Marcos’ old Cabinet chief said that he was also ready to face any case filed against him, but outright refused to go to a Senate inquiry.
“If ever they want to charge me as the mastermind, whatever case they want to file, they file it,” Bersamin said.
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