Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary Leocadio Sebastian resigned after the “illegal” and “unauthorized” signing of 300 metric tons of sugar on behalf of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Malacañang announced on Friday.

In a letter addressed to Marcos dated Aug. 11 as shared by Press Secretary Cruz-Angeles, he apologized for signing Sugar order no. 4 on his behalf and said he takes accountability and responsibility for its consequences.

“It has become clear that the same was not in keeping with your administration’s desired direction for the industry,” Sebastian said.

He stated that he will resign as chief of staff and undersecretary of the department.

“The trust and confidence from your office have been moving forces behind my steadfast service, and I can not further risk that these should falter,” he affirmed.

“It has been my great honor to have worked closely with you. Please know that my heart for government and support for your leadership remain intact,” he added.

On Wednesday, a document was uploaded in the website of Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) but was taken down eventually. It showed that Marcos approved Sugar order no. 4 with signatories of Sebastian and SRA board members.

Malacañang then announced that Marcos rejected the proposal to import.

Cruz-Angeles in a Facebook live on Friday night, explained that since Sebastian resigned, no other penalties will be imposed because it is an administrative case.

“Kapag administrativa ang kaso, ang pinaka-mataas na penalty ay dismissal. So, kapag napangunahan na ng resignation, ayun na po yun. Wala na po kasi mas mataas na penalty in an administrative case,” she said.

“Titignan natin kung ang resulta ng imbestigation kung kinakailangan pa ng mas malalim na imbestigation that will require a law enforcement agency. Sa ngayon, nakikita natin in the investigation is primarily administrative in nature,” Cruz-Angeles added.