NDRRMC chief resigns
-A A +AFriday, January 11, 2013
MANILA -- Malacanang confirmed on Friday the resignation of Defense Undersecretary Benito Ramos, executive director of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
Presidential Communications Development Secretary Ramon Carandang said the NDRRMC chief "has submitted his resignation to (Defense) Secretary (Voltaire) Gazmin, but I don't think it has been officially accepted yet."
Carandang said the NDRRMC chief resigned to attend to "family matters."
Presidential Communication Operations Office Secretary Sonny Coloma said the resignation of Ramos is a big loss as he was an"exemplary" public servant.
"Malaking kawalan po yung pagbibitiw ni Executive Director Benito Ramos. Siya ay isang exemplary public servant," he said.
"Hindi po umaatras sa panganib at sa ligalig, laging nasa frontline, parati pong masiglang humihimok na maging mapagmasid at vigilant upang maiwasan ang panganib," he added.
With the resignation of Ramos, Coloma said the administration will now begin the process of selecting its worthy successor.
"Pero sa atin pong nabatid ngayong hapon, siya ay nagsumite ng pagbibitiw dahil po sa isang personal na dahilan tungkol po sa pagpapahalaga sa concerns ng kanyang pamilya. Naiintindihan po ito ng ating pambansang pamunuan, at siguro po kapag naging ganap na yung pagtanggap sa kanyang resignation ay magsisimula na rin po yung proseso ng pagpili ng isang worthy successor," he said.
"Tiyak naman tayong lahat that he is to be commended for a job well done," he added.
Defense Spokesman Dr. Peter Galvez, in an interview with reporters, said this was the third time Ramos, a former soldier, had submitted a resignation letter to the Defense Secretary.
Galvez said that in Ramos' first and second attempts to resign, he was asked by Gazmin to stay "because of the critical nature of his job and his effective handling" of his duties.
"Because of him there has been heightened disaster awareness among the people. He did a lot that saved lives," he said.
On the third try, Galvez said the Defense Secretary finally acceded and made a recommendation to President Benigno Aquino III to accept Ramos’ resignation.
Ramos' resignation letter was dated January 8 and is to take effect on February 1. (PNA)
Forum rules: Do not use obscenity. Some words have been banned. Stick to the topic. Do not veer away from the discussion. Be coherent and respectful. Do not shout or use CAPITAL LETTERS!
