MANILA, Philippines — Former Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Wednesday denied that he voluntarily resigned from his post, contradicting an earlier statement from Malacañang.

In a phone interview, Bersamin said he only stepped aside “at the pleasure of the president” after being informed by a close friend outside the Palace that his tenure would end.

“I resigned out of delicadeza. It’s nice to hear that, but that’s not true. I did not resign,” Bersamin said, clarifying that his only formal action was submitting a letter acknowledging the president’s prerogative.

Bersamin also dismissed allegations linking him to irregularities in the 2025 national budget and denied any dealings with former DPWH and DepEd officials previously implicated in flood control project anomalies.

“I really have nothing to do with the budget. If there are people who want to implicate me, let them sue me. Right now, it’s all innuendo,” he added.

The announcement comes as part of a recent Cabinet reshuffle, with Ralph Recto taking over as Executive Secretary and Frederick Go appointed as acting Finance Secretary. Budget Undersecretary Rolando Toledo was named officer in charge of the Department of Budget and Management.

Malacañang previously cited the new appointees’ “exemplary track records” in governance and economic initiatives. Bersamin, however, emphasized that his departure should not be portrayed as a voluntary resignation.