DAR chief says he will step down if asked by Aquino

Agrarian Reform Secretary Virgilio delos Reyes

MANILA, Philippines–Under fire anew from farmers demanding his head, Agrarian Reform Secretary Virgilio delos Reyes on Thursday offered to step down if President Benigno Aquino III thinks he’s become ineffective.

Hunger-striking farmers protesting his alleged failure to deliver on Aquino’s promise to them six months ago sought a meeting with other Cabinet officials Thursday afternoon to ask for his “head on a platter,’’ Delos Reyes said.

“If the President says it’s time for me to go because you’re ineffective, whether because you’re not doing your job or because of what has happened, I’m prepared to go. I did not want this job. But I think it’s my duty to do it,’’ Delos Reyes said in an interview at the Philippine Daily Inquirer office.

“If the President tells me you’re ineffective, I won’t ask for another position. I just want to go back to my former life,’’ he added.

Delos Reyes, a lawyer by profession, said he has communicated his stand to the President through a memorandum. He did not disclose the contents.