NTC chief resignation accepted

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has accepted with deep regret the courtesy resignation of National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) head Abraham Abesamis, Malacañang said Saturday.

The appointment of a new NTC commissioner is a result of the ever-changing requirement of technological advancement in the area of telecommunications which demand the expertise of a lawyer, Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesperson Ignacio R. Bunye said in a statement.

The President commends Abesamis’ good performance at the NTC, “which resulted in major policy shift towards the protection of the consumers and at the same time provided the specific guidelines on the proper conduct of players in the broadcast and telecommunications industries,” the statement added.

For a smooth transition in the operations of the Commission, Abesamis will assist the incoming NTC commissioner, lawyer Ruel V. Canobas, phasing him in the rigors, requirements and responsibilities of the office.

Canobas is a former undersecretary at the Office of the Political Adviser.

The National Telecommunications Commission is an attached agency of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).