Resignation of Cabinet members not affecting gov’t programs — Malacanang

President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the LP event, “A Gathering of Friends” at Function Room 1 of the SMX Convention Center in Agdao District, Davao City on Wednesday (September 09). Also in photo is Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II, Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario, Gov.Toto Mangudadatu and ARMM Gov.Mujiv Hattaman. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

MANILA — A Palace official on Tuesday assured the public that delivery of government services are not hampered by resignations of Cabinet officials, some of whom plan to seek elective posts in the 2016 elections.

In a briefing, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said what is important now is the fact that government services continues to be delivered effectively.

“Lahat ng kalihim, lahat ng mga kagawaran ay puspusang ipinapatupad ang mga programa ng pamahalaan; at kung meron mang magbibitiw, tinitiyak ang continuity at ‘yung pagtutok sa mga mahahalagang suliranin, lalung-lalo na doon sa napipintong El Niño (All Cabinet Secretaries, all agencies continue to implement the government’s programs. And if ever there will be resignations we will ensure the continuity of these programs as well as to put more focus on important issues especially the looming El Nino),” he stressed.

Relatively, Malacanang confirmed that President Benigno Aquino III has accepted the resignation of Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization (OPAFSAM) Secretary Francis Pangilinan effective September 30, 2015.

Pangilinan, in a text message, said he met with the President two weeks ago to inform the Chief Executive of his decision.

He, however, declined to give details of his future plans saying “the official announcement will come in due time.”

News about Pangilinan’s resignation came at the heels of the resignation of Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo over the weekend.

Domingo’s resignation, on the other hand, has yet to be accepted by the President.

Coloma said Pangilinan’s resignation will not affect the government’s food security programs aimed to address impact of the expected worst dry spell to date.

He explained that a Cabinet committee, the Food Security Council headed by Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, oversees action plans on this issue.

He said the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) will have another meeting Wednesday this week to strengthen food security action plans that have been agreed on.