Gomez Orders Courtesy Resignations by July 18
MANILA, Philippines — Newly appointed Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Acting Secretary Dave Gomez has instructed all appointees in his department, excluding career officials, to submit their unqualified courtesy resignations by July 18. This directive aims to allow the new leadership a clear path to manage and fulfill its duties effectively.
In his July 14 memorandum, released to the press on Wednesday, Gomez explained that the request was made “in the exigency of service and in order to give the undersigned a free hand to perform his duties and responsibilities.” The four-word keyphrase “courtesy resignations by July 18” is central to this transition process.
Instructions for PCO Officials
According to the memo, until Gomez takes action on the submitted courtesy resignations, all Undersecretaries, Assistant Secretaries, Directors of the PCO-Central Office, and heads of attached agencies are expected to continue their duties as usual. However, this is subject to any adjustments the new leadership may decide to implement in the meantime.
Gomez told local sources that requesting courtesy resignations from political appointees is a standard procedure during a leadership transition. “It’s part of the standard transition process to request the courtesy resignations of all political appointees,” he said.
Gomez’s Priorities as New PCO Chief
On his first day as PCO acting secretary, Gomez clarified that overhauling the agency is not his immediate priority. Instead, he intends to conduct a fair and unbiased performance audit of the office to ensure everyone is treated justly. “I need to conduct a fair, honest-to-goodness, unbiased performance audit in the office. I want to be fair to everyone,” he explained.
The move reflects Gomez’s focus on transparency and accountability before making any significant organizational changes within the PCO.
For more news and updates on courtesy resignations by July 18, visit Filipinokami.com.
