Duterte accepted PIA chief’s resignation, Medialdea says

September 2, 2019

President Rodrigo Duterte has accepted the resignation of Harold Clavite as director general of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said on Monday.

In a text message to reporters, Medialdea said in his letter on July 17, he manifested the intention to submit his "irrevocable resignation" to Duterte citing personal reasons.

"He also said that he already gave 3 years to the country and its time for him to go back to his family. This was elevated to the President and thereafter accepted," he said.

Medialdea said the government recognizes Clavite's service and wishes him the best in his future endeavors.

Meanwhile, Clavite, in a text message to reporters, clarified that he intended to submit a resignation letter and that his July 17 letter was addressed to Medialdea and not to Duterte.

But he added, "If they used that statement to make such decision, then I'll accept that. I just think it's not fair that after hearing my side and asking me to write all the details, they would do such without even talking to me."

"The letter asking me to leave on the same day was too harsh not only for me but the organization which was deprived of proper transition and handover," he added.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar earlier said Clavite was being investigated due to alleged corruption.

But Clavite denied the allegation as he reportedly accused some of his subordinates who were engaged in the anomalies as those behind the accusations against him. Celerina Monte/DMS