Former ES says he was forced out, was the last to be told
Former Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin yesterday denied reports that he had voluntarily resigned, insisting instead that he was told to vacate his post.
“I just read that I resigned out of delicadeza. It sounds nice to say ‘out of delicadeza.’ But that isn’t true; I didn’t resign,” Bersamin said, disputing the Presidential Communications Office’s account of his exit.
The Palace has not responded to Bersamin’s statements as of press time.
Bersamin said a good friend called and informed him that he was to leave his position, which he accepted, noting that he serves “at the pleasure of the President” and no reason was required.
He also questioned why the Palace had announced his supposed resignation without consulting him.
“They should have consulted me first… I became the last to be told, which made it difficult to respond to questions,” he said.
He confirmed meeting with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. after his alleged removal from his post but declined to reveal details, citing privileged communication.
However, the erstwhile executive secretary denied any involvement in the alleged P52-billion budget insertion, calling accusations against him “innuendo.”
“The Office of the Executive Secretary does not have anything to do with insertions or budget. Our job is to submit our own budget. We do not meddle in other agencies’ budgets,” Bersamin said, dismissing claims that he orchestrated irregularities.
He also defended Undersecretary Adrian Bersamin, his grandnephew, who has been mentioned in connection with the controversy.
“You cannot expect him to do anything not aligned with those above him. Whatever they say about him, ask him directly, maybe he will give you the answer,” he said.
Bersamin also described as baseless claims, attributed to former DPWH official Roberto Bernardo, by Senate Blue Ribbon chairman Panfilo Lacson.
“I vehemently deny the imputation against me. Bernardo could not be a credible source of relevant information if his knowledge looks and sounds like, at least, triple hearsay… If Senator Lacson has evidence, we will respect that. But don’t say I am the mastermind based on handwritten notes or stories,” he said.
Before his exit, Bersamin admitted that he remained on “holdover” status, technically responsible but no longer empowered to execute official acts.
The former “little president” expressed no resentment for his removal, but called for proper communication in the issuance of official announcements.
Bersamin’s lack of bitterness was demonstrated when commenting on calls for Mr. Marcos’ resignation.
“The Pres. Marcos, that’s a very good man. Focused na focused ‘yan,” he said.
“I think of all the people who vied for the presidency, he was the most qualified. It turned out to be true when I observed him working firsthand,” he added.
Before leaving his office on Tuesday, he also submitted a letter acknowledging the President’s prerogative to replace him and instructed his staff to deliver it to the Commission of Appointments.
Department of Finance Secretary Ralph Recto has since been named as his replacement.
The President administered Recto’s oath as Acting Executive Secretary while also swearing in former Robinsons Land CEO Frederick Go as Acting Finance Secretary in Malacañang.
