Kiko Pangilinan resigns as food security czar

(Updated 11:57 a.m.) Former Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan has resigned from his Cabinet post effective September 30. 

 

"Yes, it is true. I submitted my letter of resignation last week effective September 30. I had met with the President two weeks ago to relay to him this decision for his consideration," Pangilinan said in a text message. 

 

The former senator was sworn into office as presidential assistant for food security and agricultural modernization on May 6, 2014. 

 

Communications Secretary Hermino Coloma, Jr. said President Benigno Aquino III has accepted Pangilinan's resignation. 

 

Pangilinan is the second Cabinet member to resign within the past week; the other being Secretary Gregory Domingo of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Domingo quit his post to return to the private sector.

 

"The President expressed his sincerest appreciation to Secretary Pangilinan for his contribution to the government during his stint as PAFSAM and wished him the best in his future endeavors," said Coloma. 

 

Pangilinan's resignation comes a month before the filing of certificates of candidacy for the 2016 national elections.

 

"Regarding my future plans, the official announcement will come in due time," he said.

 

However, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte, said Pangilinan will seek another term in the Senate.

 

"According to Secretary Pangilinan, he has decided to run again for the Senate," Valte said. 

 

Pangilinan is a member of the Liberal Party (LP), who is fielding former Interior Secretary Manuel "Mar" Roxas II as its presidential candidate next year. —ALG, GMA News