Tiu Laurel submits courtesy resignation

Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.

MANILA, Philippines — Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said on Thursday that he has stepped down following President Marcos’s call for all cabinet secretaries to submit their courtesy resignations.

“I have submitted my courtesy resignation and now leave it to the President’s good judgment to determine whether I shall continue to be part of his team as he advances his vision for the country,” Tiu Laurel said in a statement on Thursday.

“The President has spoken. It’s clear that he seeks the flexibility to respond to the people’s clamor as conveyed in the recent midterm polls,” he added.

Tiu Laurel said he would continue to serve the Department of Agriculture (DA) and its stakeholders to the best of my abilities.

Tiu Laurel led the family-owned Frabelle Group of Companies, which holds diversified business interests including deep-sea fishing and aquaculture, before his appointment in November 2023.

READ: Marcos orders courtesy resignation of all Cabinet secretaries