Palace confirms resignation of DILG Usec. Puno 'effective immediately'

President Benigno S. Aquino III has accepted the resignation of Undersecretary Rico E. Puno of the Department of Interior and Local Government after working for the administration for more than two years.

"Last Friday, former DILG Undersecretary Rico E. Puno submitted his letter of resignation to the President, through Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. The President has accepted Mr. Puno's resignation effective immediately," Lacierda said in a press briefing in Malacanang on Tuesday.

Puno's resignation letter was submitted through Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. last Friday, as the President and his official delegation left for Vladivostok, Russia to attend the 20th Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit.

In his two-page statement released on Tuesday, Puno said that he believes he has effectively done his duties and responsibilities as DILG Undersecretary for Peace and Order, thanking the Chief Executive for his trust and confidence.

"I believe that I have carried out my assigned duties to the best of my abilities. Moving forward, I have resigned as DILG Undersecretary to support the President's decision to give a free hand to the incoming Secretary in forming a new team. I wish to thank President Aquino for his trust and confidence in giving me the opportunity to serve our country and people," the statement read.

Puno has been controversial during the past weeks following allegations that he tried to enter the offices and condominium unit of the late Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo last August 19.

The former DILG official said he opted to remain silent despite all the allegations because he was "duty-bound to act with restraint and circumspection, even when subjected to personal attacks in the mass media." - president.gov.ph — ARA