Duterte accepts Rio's resignation as DICT undersecretary

President Rodrigo Duterte has accepted the resignation of Department of Information and Communications Technology Undersecretary Eliseo Rio Jr., presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said Friday.

"The Palace thanks Usec. Rio for his invaluable services to the nation and we wish him well in all his future endeavors," Roque said in a statement.

Rio filed his resignation last February after he was allegedy kept out of the loop over how DICT spent P300 million in confidential funds.

In March, Rio said Duterte did not accept his resignation. 

“Please be informed that the President has finally  accepted my resignation that I filed last February, 2020,” the former DICT official said in a Facebook post.

“I will not comment anything on the timing of this acceptance, as it may invoke disruptive discussions absolutely not needed in the midst of this pandemic crises, except to express my utmost gratitude to the President for giving me this chance to serve our country under his administration.

“I wish to express also my full confidence on the leadership of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in handling the COVID-19 crisis,” Rio said. — with Ted Cordero/KBK/RSJ, GMA News