BUTUAN CITY, Philippines?The country?s top narcotics fighter has announced his intention to resign to give President-elect Benigno Aquino III a free hand in reorganizing the government but he would like to stay on if asked to do so.

Dionisio Santiago, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency director, told reporters here before the weekend that he would hand over his resignation this coming week.

?I am a political appointee; I will submit my courtesy resignation to President Aquino to give him a free hand,? he said on the sidelines of a meeting here with tribal chieftains in the Caraga region.

Santiago said a courtesy resignation was proper to ensure a smooth transition of power in the anti-drug agency.

Asked if he would accept a reappointment, Santiago did not hide his desire to stay on.

?It?s always an honor to serve government. But I?m leaving my fate to President Aquino and it?s up to him,? he said.

Santiago said should Aquino decide to replace him, the least he can do to ensure the continuity of PDEA programs is ?to personally suggest to Aquino persons competent and reliable? to succeed him.

?I have someone for him that I would suggest to be appointed as my replacement,? Santiago said without elaborating.