ENVIRONMENT and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy Cimatu has stepped down from post as Malacañang confirms the resignation due to health reasons.
Undersecretary Jim Sampulna is being designated as Officer-in-Charge of the Department.
“We wish Secretary Cimatu good health as he transitions from his decades-long and stellar service in government to private life,” said the Palace.
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.
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.
