MANILA, Philippines – Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery Panfilo Lacson’s resignation was part of the transition proposal he submitted to Malacañang. 

The proposal suggested rehabilitation duties be formally integrated with the work of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

The transition proposal will still undergo review, even if Lacson said in an interview his irrevocable resignation begins middle of February.

On Monday, December 22, Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma said Lacson’s resignation was part of the proposal submitted to the Palace on Friday, which the President has yet to comment on.

“In my opinion, what will happen like it usually does, is [the transition proposal] will be transmitted to various Cabinet departments that are directly involved or are also stakeholders in the process,” Coloma said.

He acknowledged the value of Lacson’s proposal, agreeing the proposed structure of NDRRMC is “very important.” He said that “if the coordination and cooperation of various agencies are organized, and the national and local government actions are aligned, the results are better.”

Lacson clarified however that while the whole transition proposal will still be reviewed, no “specific action on the resignation itself” has yet been determined.

On Sunday, December 21, Lacson said in a radio interview that he will step down once the post-Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) reconstruction and rehabilitation duties are formally transferred to the NDRRMC.

He said he has submitted his letter of resignation, but has yet to talk to President Benigno Aquino III about his plan. He said he believes the President will “see the wisdom” of the transition from his office to NDRRMC.

Lacson was appointed to the Cabinet-level position by Aquino  a year ago to oversee the rebuilding of areas ravaged by Yolanda. – Rappler.com