THE guessing game on who’d follow the trail of Vice President Sara Duterte has come to an end as Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual becomes the fourth Marcos Cabinet appointee to abandon post.
In a statement, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) announced Pascual’s resignation after weeks who claimed to have spent some time to introspect before he made a decision – to give up his position and return to the private sector.
“After much reflection, I have decided it is time for me to return to the private sector. There, my role will allow me to continue contributing my expertise and experience while being able to spend quality time with my family,” part of the letter reads.
“Serving in the Marcos Jr. Cabinet has been an extraordinary privilege and honor. I take pride in our collective achievements at the Department of Trade and Industry,” he added.
According to the statement farmed out by the PCO, Pascual personally handed over his resignation letter to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. who readily accepted the quit tender.
“President [Ferdinand] Marcos Jr. met with Secretary Pascual at Malacañan Palace to accept his resignation and acknowledge his invaluable service in guiding the restoration and transformation of the Philippine economy,” Malacañang said.
“With a full heart and unwavering commitment to our nation’s economic growth and development, I accepted the invitation to serve as Secretary of Trade and Industry under the Marcos Jr. administration.”
Pascual, a former head of the Management Association of the Philippines and a former president of the University of the Philippines was appointed by Marcos to head the Department of Trade and Industry even before he officially took oath as President.
“His focus on MSMEs was absolutely correct, and we are beginning to see the fruits of that policy. We are sorry to lose him, but we respect his decision that this is the time for him to return to the private sector,” said Marcos.
The search for Pascual’s replacement is expected to be announced soon “to ensure a seamless transition and continuity in the DTI’s initiatives.” (ANGEL F. JOSE)
