Agriculture Undersecretary Leocadio Sebastian has resigned from his post, Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles announced on Friday.
In a letter to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. dated 11 August, Sebastian profusely apologized to the chief executive for having approved Sugar Order No. 4 without the expressed approval of Marcos, who, as Department of Agriculture secretary, is also chairman of the Sugar Regulatory Board.
“I sincerely offer my apologies, Your Excellency, for my having approved Sugar Order no.4 on your behalf, and through the authority you have vested upon me…I take accountability and responsibility for its consequences,” Sebastian wrote in the letter.
Sebastian added: “Thus, I humbly offer to be relieved of my delegated authorities and the assignments and responsibilities in my capacity as Chief of Staff and Undersecretary of the Department of Agriculture.”
Cruz-Angeles has earlier described as “illegal” Sugar Order No. 4 issued by the Sugar Regulatory Administration, which supposedly directs the importation of 300,000 metric tons of sugar and that Sebastian is not authorized to sign such a resolution.
An investigation has been launched to determine whether any act that would cause the President to lose trust and confidence in his officials can be found or if there is malice or negligence involved.
“In such a case, if such findings are made, then the only determination left will be how many heads are going to roll,” said Cruz-Angeles.