Courtesy resignation of Toby Nebrida accepted - PCO's Ruiz

Presidential Communications Office Ad Interim Secretary Jay Ruiz on Tuesday announced that the courtesy resignation of Toby Nebrida as general manager of state-run television network People's Television Network (PTV) has been accepted. 

The announcement came a day after Ruiz disclosed that Oscar Orbos would lead PTV as its officer-in-charge.

Ruiz earlier said that Orbos would replace Nebrida due to alleged complaints from PTV employees. He did not elaborate.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin has issued a memorandum directing all presidential appointees in agencies, offices, and bureaus under the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) to submit their unqualified courtesy resignations.

He said this is to allow the newly appointed PCO secretary a 'free hand' in carrying out his duties and implementing his policies.

Ruiz previously said there was nothing personal in asking for the courtesy resignation of the appointees.

''Usually ganoon naman talaga considering all presidential appointees here di ba... para lang kumbaga siyempre free hand sa pagpili ng ating mga kasama... Mahirap din po kasi siyempre dapat pagkakatiwalaan mo kasi kung di mo kasama, di mo naman sila kakilala, of course, as secretary dapat dalhin mo rin 'yung sarili mong tao,'' Ruiz said in an ambush interview on Monday.

(It's the usual process considering they are all presidential appointees here... so that we can have a free hand on who are we going to include in our team. It's hard because of course, you need to trust... as secretary you need to bring your own people.)

The 74-year-old Orbos served as executive secretary as well as transportation and communications secretary under the administration of late President Corazon Aquino from 1990 to 1991.

He also served as congressman of Pangasinan's first district from 1987 to 1990 and as governor of the province from 1995 to 1998.

Orbos also co-hosted GMA Network's "Debate with Mare at Pare," alongside economist Solita "Mareng Winnie" Monsod.—AOL, GMA Integrated News