Former Executive Secretary (ES) Lucas Bersamin has categorically denied that he resigned from his post "out of delicadeza" (sense of propriety or honor), contradicting a public statement previously issued by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).

In a clarifying statement, Bersamin asserted that the only document he signed was a letter acknowledging his replacement. He signed this letter late in the afternoon of November 18, a day after the Palace announced his supposed resignation.

RH Leth Narciso reports that Bersamin revealed that he was "surprised" by the PCO's initial announcement, stating that he was not consulted before the news was released. Nonetheless, he accepted the change, acknowledging that his position as ES was held "at the pleasure of the President."

The former ES emphasized his desire to correct the erroneous impression that he voluntarily stepped down. He stressed that he did not want the public to mistakenly believe he was resigning because he felt "guilty" regarding any accusations that may have been hurled against him.

“Masarap pakinggan yung out of delicadeza, pero hindi naman totoo yan. Hindi ako nagresign. The only letter that I sent regarding my position na wala na was the letter I signed yesterday, late afternoon, na sinabi ko I bow to the prerogative of the president,” Bersamin said.

“Yung submit to the prerogative of the president to replace me, that is the nature of my tenure eh. At the pleasure of the president. So, I will not also validate na may resignation ako kung wala,” he added.

Bersamin's clarification directly challenges the narrative of a voluntary, honor-driven departure and reframes his exit as a removal accepted under the inherent nature of his executive appointment.