PRESIDENT Marcos has declined the courtesy resignation of National Security Adviser (NSA) Secretary Eduardo Año who cited health issues for his offer to voluntarily step down.
Malacañang Press Officer Claire Castro disclosed that Año has agreed to stay put even as he had to deal with lingering health concerns since the 2020 pandemic.
The President also adverted to Año’s competence and good performance in keeping the NSA chief in his official family.
“Secretary Año has been having to deal with health issues ever since the time of the pandemic.
However, he has kindly agreed to stay on in the NSC (National Security Council),” Castro told a press briefing.
Castro noted that the Chief Executive continued to evaluate all Cabinet secretaries and government officials, who have tendered their courtesy resignations.
She said the officials whose resignations have yet to be acted upon by the President are placed under “probation” status.
Castro also brushed off rumors that Presidential Communications Officer ad interim Secretary Jay Ruiz was in “floating status” following the deferment of the Commission on Appointments (CA) to deliberate on his appointment.
Castro said Ruiz was told by the President to stay in his job despite the said CA bypassing his appointment.
Castro added that the CA’s deferment of action on Ruiz’s nomination as PCO chief will not affect the government’s campaign against misinformation.
Ruiz took over as chief of the PCO in February, with the President no less administering the oath.
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated with reaction from NSA Secretary Eduardo Año.