MMDA chief Don Artes to resign following Marcos’ directive

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Don Artes holds a press conference on October 18, 2024. Noy Morcoso / INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairperson Don Artes will file a courtesy resignation in response to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive.

Marcos, on Thursday morning, called for the courtesy resignations of all Cabinet secretaries in a bid to recalibrate his administration following the midterm elections.

“As MMDA chairman with the rank of Cabinet secretary, Chairman Artes will comply with the directive, as he serves at the pleasure of the president,” the agency said in a statement.

READ: Marcos orders courtesy resignation of all Cabinet secretaries

Artes served as acting MMDA chief between 2022 and his official appointment to his position in September 2024.

Republic Act 7924, which creates the MMDA, vests the agency’s chairman with “the rank, rights, privileges, disqualifications and prohibitions of a Cabinet member.”/mcm