MANILA, Philippines - Is Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda leaving Malacañang?
In a press briefing on Wednesday, Lacierda denied reports that surfaced last night that he has tendered his irrevocable resignation so he can join Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II.
Lacierda said the reports are "exaggerated."
"I myself was surprised that I tendered a resignation. I did not know that my resignation has been preannounced. There is no such thing," Lacierda said.
"I am not resigning. I have not tendered my resignation," he added.
Lacierda's reported resignation came following the January 25 Mamasapano incident that killed 44 members of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP-SAF).
Aquino has been under fire as various sectors demand accountability from government officials.
Resigned PNP chief Alan Purisima allegedly orchestrated the botched operation even if he was under suspension. He supposedly reported directly to Aquino, leaving Roxas in the dark.
Lacierda has long been associated with the Aquino administration's Balay faction, which supported Roxas in the 2010 election.
The other power bloc in the government, the Samar faction, supported Roxas's rival, Vice President Jejomar Binay.
The Philippine Star
