Published: Aug 12, 2011 12:52 Updated: Aug 12, 2011 22:21
MANILA: The Philippines’ tourism secretary on Friday said he had resigned from the government, amid speculation President Benigno Aquino was unhappy with his performance in a portfolio identified as a potential growth and investment engine.
Alberto Lim said he would step down on August 31 because he wanted to spend more time with his family. He is the second cabinet minister to resign in as many months. Aquino’s government took office on June 30, 2010.
“I leave the president’s cabinet gratified that I have laid a foundation for strong tourism growth in keeping with the president’s vision of inclusive growth,” Lim told a media conference at the presidential palace.
Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said Aquino was looking for a replacement, adding cabinet members “serve under the pleasure of the president.”
There were rumors Aquino had been unhappy with Lim, the executive director of the influential Makati Business Club before he joined the government, since a new tourism logo last year was revealed to be very similar to a Polish campaign.
He also drew the ire of the local travel industry for pushing for a partial "open sky" policy, allowing the entry of foreign carriers without gaining reciprocal landing rights.
“I gave the signal that the Philippines is open for business,” Lim told reporters, using a line Aquino has made a theme of his administration.