Agriculture Usec. Leocadio Sebastian has resigned from his post, Press Sec. Trixie Cruz-Angeles announced on 12 August.
In a letter to the President Bongbong Marcos dated 11 August, Sebastian profusely apologized for having approved Sugar Order No. 4 without the president’s expressed approval.
Marcos, as 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 said in the letter.
“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 had earlier described as “illegal” Sugar Order No. 4 issued by the Sugar Regulatory Administration, which supposedly directed the importation of 300,000 metric tons of sugar, and that Sebastian was not authorized to sign such a resolution.
An investigation has been launched to determine whether any act that would cause Marcos 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.