Presidential peace adviser Jesus Dureza has shown “delicadeza” and “leadership by example” when he resigned from post amid corruption allegations hurled against his two subordinates, Malacañang said Wednesday.
Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo lauded Dureza for taking responsibility for the matter and thanked his service, particularly in advancing the peace efforts in the country.
“We commend the former Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process for taking full responsibility and issuing an apology under the principle of command responsibility for the transgressions committed by his two subordinates,” Panelo said in a statement.
“His resignation has set a concrete example and put a true meaning to the value of delicadeza and morality in governance. This is leadership by example,” he added.
Last Tuesday night, the President announced the resignation of Dureza shortly after revealing he fired two officials of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) for alleged corruption.
Duterte said he was “very sad” to accept the resignation of Dureza, adding Dureza assumed command responsibility for the offenses committed by his two subordinates.
Panelo said the President has accepted “with regrets” Dureza’s resignation, adding they were grateful for helping the government walk an extra mile in the peace process.
“We take this occasion to thank Sec. Dureza for the services he rendered to the nation, particularly under the Duterte administration, where he assisted the President in walking the extra mile in advancing peace for the good of our nation and all Filipinos,” he said.
Just last month, Dureza was designated the President’s special envoy to the European Union. His term expires on December 31, 2018.
Duterte appointed Dureza, former Press Secretary during the Arroyo administration, as peace adviser back in 2016. (Genalyn Kabiling)
