Ex-PIA chief Clavite says he did not resign but told to step down

MANILA, Philippines — Former Philippine Information Agency chief Harold Clavite claimed Monday that he did not send a resignation letter to President Rodrigo Duterte but was asked to step down immediately from his post.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said Clavite had manifested his intention to submit his irrevocable resignation to the president in a letter dated July 17. Clavite reportedly cited personal reasons for his intention to quit. 

"He (Clavite) also said that he already gave three years to the country and its time for him to go back to his family. This was elevated to the president and thereafter accepted," Medialdea said in a text message.

"We recognize the service Mr. Clavite has rendered and wish him all the best in his future endeavors," he added.

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But Clavite, who is being probed over corruption allegations, said he did not resign but merely wrote a letter to Medialdea informing him that he intended to submit his irrevocable resignation. 

"We both agreed in our meeting on July 15 that I write down first all information I had on the PCOO (Presidential Communications Operations Office)-PIA problem. He specifically asked me not to resign after hearing my side. I merely reiterated in the letter our conversation and I said my resignation will be sent to the president," Clavite said in a Facebook post.  

The former PIA chief was referring to his allegation that PCOO is interfering with the daily operations of PIA. 

"My July 17 letter was addressed to ES (Executive Secretary), not the president. While awaiting response, I did not send my resignation letter to the president," Clavite added. 

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Clavite revealed that he was asked to quit last July 15 on the basis of a Commission on Audit disallowance as reported to the Office of the President by the PCOO. 

"I argued and informed Mr. Medialdea that I was preparing an appeal on the disallowance and that I was confident of my response as we were able to establish what caused it. I told him I met with COA officials on the matter and looked into more questionable transactions," he said. 

"I indicated to him that I will clear my name and file appropriate cases against some people including the PCOO Secretary, after which, I will send my resignation letter to the President as I could no longer work with the organization. I told him that, in the end, I will still resign," he added. 

Clavite said he had informed Medialdea of the supposed "demolition job" against him by "disgruntled" PIA personnel. He also denied involvement in any wrongdoing. 

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The former PIA chief claimed Medialdea had told him not to resign and to put in writing his concerns. But last Friday, Clavite reportedly received a letter signed by someone on behalf of Medialdea informing him that Duterte had accepted his resignation effective immediately.

"The letter asking me to leave on the same day was too harsh not only for me but for the organization which was deprived of proper transition and handover," the former PIA chief said.

"Please don’t get me wrong. I am not holding on to the position. I have been wanting to leave. I just thought it would be fair to let me know in advance so I can facilitate proper transition...They fired me on Friday, they have nobody to put on Monday," he added.