Bersamin Claims He Was Told to Resign, Contradicting Palace Narrative

Former Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.

Bersamin Claims He Was Told to Resign, Contradicting Palace Narrative

By Wilma N. Yamzon – TheNationWeek.Com | November 20, 2025

MANILA, Philippines — In a stunning contradiction of the official Malacañang Palace declaration, former Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin claimed he was informed he “had to go” before the announcement of his departure, effectively denying he resigned out of “delicadeza.”

This revelation casts a starkly different light on the events leading to his replacement by Ralph Recto.

Speaking in a television interview, Bersamin said: “I did not resign.”

“Earlier in the day, on November 17, someone called to tell me I had to go as the ES. The call was not from Malacañang. I informed the President by text that I had no problem exiting.”

This statement directly challenges the Palace’s explanation that Bersamin stepped down out of a sense of propriety.

According to Bersamin, the Presidential Communications Office announced his resignation around 2 p.m. on November 17, citing “delicadeza,” before he had even submitted a resignation letter.

“I didn’t file a resignation,” Bersamin later reiterated to Palace reporters.

“I only read that I resigned out of delicadeza. It sounds good, but it’s not true; I didn’t resign.”

When pressed on the discrepancy, Bersamin said: “I do not know.”

“You ask them why they [said] it without consulting me. The messaging should be clear. You ask them if they had a letter.”

He confirmed that he only sent a letter to President Marcos after the public announcement.

He expressed disappointment over the lack of communication.

“They shouldn’t just announce it and have you be the last to be told. Then it becomes reality, and it’s hard to answer people’s questions,” he lamented.

Despite the circumstances, Bersamin declared he would not dwell on the matter.

“I felt bad somehow, but I am not going to waste time worrying about the new ones or the way they did it because maybe they were also under instruction or given the impression na mayroon akong resignation… I just would like to correct ‘yung impression na nag-resign ako. I never did resign.”

While Bersamin confirmed a 30-minute meeting with President Marcos Jr. on the evening of Nov. 17, he declined to disclose the content of their discussion, citing privilege.

He also denied any involvement in alleged budget insertions, challenging his accusers to file charges.

“If there are still people who want to implicate me there, stop it; just sue me so I can answer correctly. Because right now it’s all innuendo, all hints.”

Finally, addressing allegations against his relative, former Undersecretary Adrian Bersamin, he deferred to Adrian for answers.

“Whatever they say about what he did, you ask him; maybe he will give you the answer.”

He cautioned against relying solely on the accounts of Zaldy Co and Bernardo, stating that any allegations should be established in court.