In his resignation letter, Villanueva thanked President Benigno Aquino III for “believing in [his] potential to be an instrument in transforming lives.”
“This gives me the fortitude to move ahead in the next sphere of public service,” he said, adding that it has been an honor to be part of the Aquino administration.
Hours before he went to Malacanang to submit his resignation, Villanueva shared on Twitter a photo with Tesda staff.
“Getting ready before heading to Malakanyang to submit my courtesy resignation. Maraming salamat PNoy!” his post read.
On Tuesday, Villanueva announced he would run for senator in the 2016 national elections. Villanueva is reportedly included in the senatorial slate of the ruling Liberal Party although the party has yet to announce its final line-up, which will be unveiled on Monday, October 12.
Villanueva earlier said that he is reluctant to join the LP because of his rift with Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, who has included his name in the list of lawmakers accused of misusing the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).
De Lima has also announced her senatorial run in next year’s election. On Friday, the justice secretary was sworn in as LP member at the Balay Headquarters in Quezon City. KS
