Former Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin denied resigning “out of delicadeza,” contrary to Malacañang’s announcement on Monday, Nov. 17, and rejected allegations linking him to budget insertions.
In a phone interview with the Malacañang Press Corps on Wednesday, Bersamin said he only signed a letter on Tuesday afternoon acknowledging the President’s prerogative to replace him.
“Wala akong resignation na finile… Masarap pakinggan ang out of delicadeza. Pero hindi naman totoo ’yan, hindi ako nag-resign,” Bersamin stressed.
He explained that his tenure was always “at the pleasure of the President,” and a close friend had informed him earlier on Monday that he was being asked to leave.
Bersamin disclosed he met President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday night, hours after the resignation announcement.
He described the 30‑minute conversation as “casual and genial,” but declined to share details, citing confidentiality.
While accepting the President’s decision, Bersamin admitted some disappointment that he was not consulted before the Palace announced his supposed resignation.
“Ang akin lang, when they make an announcement about my personal—did I resign or not—they should have consulted me first, courtesy ’yan,” he said.
Bersamin also belied allegations that he was involved in budget insertions, stressing that the Office of the Executive Secretary has no role in meddling with agency budgets.
He said he would rather face a formal case than respond to hearsay.
“Wag na sa Senate dahil alam ko roon, there is nothing that I can say there na hindi…If ever they want to charge me as the mastermind, whatever case they want to file, they file it. Ayaw ko na magsira-sira mga buhay ng tao at papasinungalingan ko ‘yan. Wala naman akong papasinungalingan pa,” Bersamin said.
Bersamin also defended former presidential legislative liaison office chief Adrian Bersamin, his grandnephew, who was also being implicated in the budget insertion, saying that “you cannot expect him to do anything na hindi tugma sa nakakataas sa kanya.”
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro earlier announced that Bersamin stepped down “out of delicadeza” after his office was linked to flood control anomalies.
Finance Secretary Ralph Recto has since been named his replacement. (Betheena Unite)
