Bersamin clarifies exit, denies Palace claim of delicadeza resignation

Former Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin clarified that he stepped down after being informed he had to leave, contradicting an earlier Palace announcement that he resigned.

Bersamin denied the Presidential Communications Office's claim that he resigned out of delicadeza due to budget insertions, stating his office had no role in them.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro acknowledged Bersamin's clarification, stating the Palace announcement was issued based on the understanding that Bersamin submitted himself to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s discretion as part of an ongoing reorganization.

Castro previously announced that Bersamin, along with former budget secretary Amenah Pangandaman and PLLO chief undersecretary Adrian Bersamin, had "voluntarily" resigned to allow a deeper probe on flood control corruption, citing delicadeza.

Malacañang refuses to divulge the real reason for Bersamin's exit, as the President has already spoken with him.

Ralph Recto has replaced Bersamin as Executive Secretary.