Malacañang expresses gratitude to Pernia for his contribution to PH economy

In a statement on Saturday, April 18, the Palace, through Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, expressed its “sincerest gratitude” to Pernia for his “valuable contribution to the Philippine economy.” (File photo: National Economic and Development Authority/Facebook)

After serving under the current administration for years, Malacañang thanked outgoing Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia who resigned from his post on at the height of the coronavirus situation in the country.

In a statement on Saturday, April 18, the Palace, through Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, expressed its “sincerest gratitude” to Pernia for his “valuable contribution to the Philippine economy.”

“Sec. Pernia formed part of the President’s Economic Team which steered the country’s strongest economic growth since the mid -1970s,” the Palace said.

Pernia resigned on Friday, April 17, citing “personal reasons” and “differences in development philosophy” with other Cabinet members. He said he made the decision to leave his post after consultations with his family members and colleagues during Holy Week.

In his statement, Pernia said he believes he has contributed “meaningful changes that will help the country overcome these challenging times and on to a higher growth trajectory.”

He also thanked President Rodrigo Duterte for entrusting him to head the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) since the start of the latter’s term in 2016.

Finance Undersecretary Karl Kendrick Chua was then named as Pernia’s replacement. He is expected to assume office next week “to continue the economic momentum set by his predecessor,” work closely with the President’s other economic managers, and “prepare the Philippines for a new normal and mitigate the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” according to Malacañang.

Chua was a senior country economist at the World Bank office in Manila before he joined the government. Several lawmakers earlier welcomed Chua’s appointment, including Senator Sonny Angara who described the incoming NEDA’s acting secretary as “very bright and has integrity.”

Have worked w/newNEDA chief Karl Chua very bright and has integrity. HIs 4 years at DoF would have seasoned him n grounded some of his views

— Sonny Angara (@sonnyangara) April 17, 2020