PNoy accepts resignation of LWUA chairman linked to PDAF scam

President Benigno Aquino III has accepted the resignation of an official linked to the multibillion-peso Priority Development Assistance Fund anomaly, Malacañang on Saturday said.

Presidential Communications Operations Office head Herminio Coloma Jr. said Local Water Utilities Administration acting chairman Rene Villa resigned from his post effective Nov. 30.

"Ayon kay [Executive Secretary Paquito Jr.], katapusan ng Nobyembre, Nov. 30, 2013," Coloma said on government-run dzRB radio, when asked when Villa resigned.

He added Aquino thanked Villa for his services.

“Personal na desisyon niya ito at tinanggap ito ng ating pangulo na may kalakip na pasasalamat sa kanyang paglilingkod," he said.

Earlier reports showed Villa worked as a lawyer for Janet Napoles, the alleged mastermind of the multibillion-peso scam.

Napoles and several personalities including lawmakers had been charged with plunder for the PDAF scandal.

With Villa’s resignation, Coloma said Aquino will now wait for the recommendation of Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson on who will replace Villa as LWUA chairman.

“Malamang hihintayin ang recommendation ni Sec. Singson hinggil dito (The LWUA is under Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson. President Aquino will likely wait for Singson’s recommendations),” he said.

Meanwhile, Coloma said Aquino accepted as well the resignation of Grace Karen Singson as chief privatization officer of the Privatization and Management Office.

He added Aquino appointed Elizabeth Espino as executive director of the National Parks Development Committee. — LBG, GMA News