LWUA chief resigns, Aquino accepts

LWUA Chairman Rene Villa and Janet Lim-Napoles. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) Chairman Rene Villa has resigned his post and President Benigno Aquino III has accepted, Malacañang said in a statement.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. was mum if Villa’s resignation was connected to his alleged involvement with Janet Lim-Napoles, who has been tagged as the mastermind of the P10 billion pork barrel scam.

Coloma said Villa’s resignation, effective November 30, was his personal choice and it was accepted by the President.

Villa is a member of the Liberal party and used to be a lawyer for Napoles.

Villa had admitted that he received cash and a vehicle from Napoles but said that these were payments for his services as her lawyer.

Coloma said Malacanang was waiting for the recommendation of Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson on who will replace Villa since LWUA is under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

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