Former executive secretary (ES) Victor Rodriguez confirmed on Wednesday that he "completely exited" the cabinet of President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr.
His statement came after newly sworn-in ES Lucas Bersamin disclosed on Tuesday that Rodriguez no longer holds any position in the cabinet.
"I confirm that I have completely exited the administration of President Bongbong Marcos, after having spoken to him at length about my wish to spend most of my time with my family…a very personal decision that was happily made," he said.
Rodriguez explained that all the communication between him and Marcos was "absolutely privileged", therefore he has not spoken about the matters regarding his resignation.
"I have been ridiculed, maligned, and subjected to baseless and unfair commentaries on all conceivable platforms, but I take solace in the legal aphorism, “Men in public life may suffer under a hostile or unjust accusation; the wound can be assuaged with the balm of a clear conscience," he said.
"It has been an honor to have served the country," Rodriguez added.
He said he would continue to serve as a private citizen in his own way.
In his earlier resignation letter, Rodriguez said he would assume the new role of Presidential Chief of Staff.
The Office of the Secretary (OPS) later confirmed his new position, saying there was a signed Administrative Order no. 1.
Bersamin clarified that there were no orders issued regarding the said position.
