Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 18)— Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy Cimatu has stepped down from his post due to health reasons.
Cimatu confirmed the development in a text message to CNN Philippines on Friday. He did not give further details but said he was due for a medical check-up the day after.
“We wish Secretary Cimatu good health as he transitions from his decades-long and stellar service in government to private life,” acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles said in a separate statement.
Undersecretary Jim Sampulna will be officer-in-charge of the agency, Nograles added.
Cimatu was named DENR chief by President Rodrigo Duterte in 2017, replacing Gina Lopez, who was then rejected by the Commission on Appointments.
Cimatu also served as chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in 2002. He was also a special envoy for OFW refugees.
Major projects under his watch were the cleanup of the world-class Boracay island and the rehabilitation of Manila Bay.
In December, Cimatu also approved to lift the nationwide ban on open-pit mining, a development some groups criticized.
READ: DENR lifts ban on open-pit mining; anti-mining alliance reacts
