MANILA, Philippines? President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's political adviser, Gabriel Claudio, has resigned for health reasons, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita announced Friday.

"The President has accepted his resignation effective December 5, 2009,'' Ermita said in a Malacañang briefing.

Ermita said that Claudio, who resigned from the same position two years ago, underwent a complex spinal surgery in late 2007 to decompress impinged nerves and address a recurring instability of the spine due to congenital scoliosis.

Claudio was advised by doctors to undergo renewed intensive physical rehabilitation, which was cut short by his return to his position last year, Ermita said.

"Claudio clarified that he is not quitting the ruling party, Lakas Kampi CMD, where he now serves as member of the national advisory council,'' Ermita said. "Claudio stressed that he will continue to support the candidacy of former DND Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and all other national and local candidates for the administration coalition."