(CNN Philippines) — Resigned Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla said Tuesday (May 5) he will retain his post at the Department of Energy (DOE) until Malacañan finds a replacement for him.
“I will not abandon DOE without a replacement. I will not move out and be viewed as abandoning my post without a proper replacement,” Petilla said.
Petilla, who has served as the DOE chief for two years and five months, vacated his office at the Bonifacio Global City last Thursday (April 30), his last day after he submitted his resignation letter to President Benigno Aquino III last March 26.
Related: Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla steps down, cites personal reasons
The DOE head said he is still awaiting word from the country’s Chief Executive, adding the Palace will announce the final decision soon.
Petilla, however, emphasized his willingness to extend his term — under the condition that the Palace gives a direct order on what it wants him to accomplish during the term extension.
There were reports over the weekend saying that Aquino wanted to extend the term of Petilla.
The DOE Secretary said the timing of his resignation was perfect, since every problem during his time in office was already fixed, citing the Yolanda restorations, the proposed P4 per kilowatthour (kWh) Manila Electric Company hike, and the summer power outlook for 2015.
Petilla also nominated for his vacated post, DOE Undersecretary Zenaida Monsada as the Officer-in-Charge (OIC).
