President Aquino accepts PPP Center chief Canilao’s resignation

MANILA – President Benigno A. Aquino III has accepted the resignation of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center executive director Cosette Canilao effective March 8, a Palace official said Monday.

Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. said Canilao tendered her resignation last Jan. 27 for pressing family concerns.

“I am also very thankful to President Benigno Aquino III and his cabinet for their trust and support that enabled the PPP Center and the program to emerge as one of the best,” said Canilao in a statement.

Canilao expressed optimism about the future of the country’s PPP program.

“We now have a long list of projects that the private sector will hopefully continue to participate in. We have installed in our processes and legal framework a means of instituting continuity and transparency,” she said.

The government expects to award contracts for 12 PPP projects worth Php217.4 billion, and complete construction of five projects costing Php40 billion before President Aquino’s term ends in June.

“I leave the Center confident that the people who will be continuing on are steadfast, well-equipped and up to the challenge of making the program better than it is today. My heartfelt gratitude to them for trusting me,” Canilao added.