Palace: No place in public service for even hint of corruption

MANILA, Philippines — Allegations of corruption against National Irrigation Administration chief Peter Laviña, whose resignation was confirmed Wednesday, runs against the core value of the administration, a Malacañang official said.

Laviña recently tendered an irrevocable resignation due to health reasons, according to reports.

Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella noted that Laviña has been a strong supporter of President Rodrigo Duterte even while the president was Davao City mayor.

He also noted that Laviña has consistently demonstrated loyalty to his principal whether in the public or private sector.

The former NIA chief, however, had reportedly been fired by the president for supposedly receiving cuts on contracts. 

"Mr. Laviña may have his own take on this matter, as he is entitled to his opinion, but at the end of the day, public service must brook no hint of corruption, any intimation of which must be faced squarely and without favor," Abella said in a statement.

In a Facebook post, Laviña clarified the rumors circulating about him.

"Recently, there had been efforts to discredit me again. There are rumors circulating that I have asked money from NIA contractors. These are not true!" Laviña said.

Laviña said that he quietly left the government to spare the president from "embarrassing stories."

"I have proven in the past that one need not be in government to do public service or work for the common good. I will likely continue to do so in media, civil society and the business sector where I have been involved before," Laviña said.

The NIA denied that Laviña had been fired and said that he resigned.

"There are health reasons. We noticed he has become paler and he's not his usual self. He also lost a lot of weight," NIA spokesperson Pilipina Bermudez told The STAR Wednesday.