MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Friday confirmed that Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) administrator David John Thaddeus Alba has quit his post, and said his resignation will be effective on April 15, 2023.
“Upon the directive of the President, his resignation will be effective on April 15 to prepare the appointment of his replacement,” the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said in a statement.
According to the PCO, Alba told Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin that he would resign, even if the latter persuaded him not to.
“Administrator David John Thaddeus Alba visited ES Lucas Bersamin last Wednesday informing him of his decision to resign, the PCO said.
“ES Lucas Bersamin persuaded him not to, but he reasoned his worsening health condition,” it added.
The resignation comes as allegations of state-sponsored sugar smuggling at the Department of Agriculture — the parent agency of the SRA — were uncovered.